By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
In a significant move aimed at advancing medical innovation in Nigeria, the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (FUTH Lafia) has organized a national retreat focused on vaccine research and development.
The event, held in collaboration with Innovative Biotech, Abuja, and the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, took place at Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja.
The two-day inaugural retreat brought together medical researchers, institutional heads, and key stakeholders in the health sector to explore collaborative strategies that will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in indigenous vaccine production.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FUTH Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, described the retreat as part of the Federal Government’s wider effort to encourage synergy among research-driven institutions in the country.
He said the initiative underscores FUTH Lafia’s resolve to contribute meaningfully to national and regional disease surveillance and health security.
Dr. Ikrama revealed that the hospital’s partnership with Innovative Biotech, led by world-renowned vaccinologist Professor Simon Agwale, is set to position Lafia as a strategic hub for vaccine research in Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for his unwavering support for the project.
He also commended the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, for initiating the concept of the research center during his tenure as Commissioner for Health, and acknowledged the current Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, for his continued dedication to the vision.
In his address, Professor Simon Agwale applauded FUTH Lafia’s commitment to research excellence.
He emphasized that the collaboration would fast-track the development of home-grown vaccines and medical solutions tailored to the country’s health challenges.
The retreat featured presentations, technical sessions, and policy dialogues, and was attended by prominent figures in Nigeria’s healthcare and scientific communities.
