Ibrahim Abubakar named as new CEPI chief executive officer
Nigerian professor Ibrahim Abubakar has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The announcement was made by CEPI’s board following an open recruitment process. Abubakar is set to join CEPI in March 2027 and will formally assume office as chief executive in April 2027. His appointment has been widely commended, including praise from President Bola Tinubu, who highlighted his global health expertise.
What we know
- Ibrahim Abubakar is a professor of infectious disease epidemiology and has held several senior academic and leadership positions in the UK.
- He will join CEPI in March 2027 and officially become CEO in April 2027.
- Abubakar has been recognised by various institutions, including being elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2020 and joining the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in 2024.
- He has led significant research and policy efforts in infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV.
- President Bola Tinubu praised Abubakar’s appointment as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing role in global health leadership.
