The recently appointed chairman of the board of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Umaru Mutallab, has assured that he will channel the activities if the organisation towards enhancing healthcare delivery.
Mutallab succeeds the late Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu and is poised to lead IHVN’s strategic vision for health services and research in West Africa. The appointment was disclosed by IHVN’s CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum, in a statement released on Thursday.
Dakum emphasised Mutallab’s wealth of experience, gained from serving on numerous boards in the country, as a critical factor in leading IHVN to provide quality health services, capacity-building, and research in Nigeria and West Africa.
“The IHVN board functions as a management board, approving all policies of the Institute in line with national and global best practices. It guides the sourcing and efficient use of financial and non-financial resources and directs internal and statutory audits. The board comprises accomplished professionals from diverse fields, providing technical guidance to the Institute,” explained Dakum.
With a distinguished career in banking, business and government service, Mutallab is well-equipped to lead IHVN’s efforts in delivering quality health services. The newly appointed vice-chairman, Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor will contribute his expertise in mass communication and social marketing to IHVN’s mission in combating infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Prior to this appointment, Mutallab was appointed board director of the institute in 2011. A prominent business leader, banker and chartered and certified accountant, he brings a wealth of experience from various sectors, including development, commercial and merchant banking. Notably, he served as the Minister for Economic Development and Cooperatives and Supplies in the mid-’70s and was a member of Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council from 1975 to 1978.
Mutallab’s notable roles include being the former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and Jaiz Bank International Plc, as well as the former managing director and CEO of the United Bank for Africa. His contribution to the nation has earned him the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of Nigeria’s highest honours.
A graduate of Southwest London College, Achimota College, Accra and Barewa College, Zaria, Mutallab has also received Honorary Doctorate degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the Benue State University, Makurdi. His extensive experience extends to serving on the board of directors of several companies, including Nigeria Agip Oil, Arewa Textile Limited and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The appointment of Mutallab as chairman and Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor as vice-chairman signals IHVN’s commitment to leadership that combines expertise from various fields to advance its mission of providing impactful health services and research in the region. As IHVN navigates the complex landscape of healthcare, the collective experience of its leadership is expected to drive strategic initiatives for the betterment of health outcomes in West Africa.
