The Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Lafia, on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to advance vaccine research and development.
The event, chaired by Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, was attended by Dr. Hassan Ikrama, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FUTH, and Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director-General of NIPRD.
NIPRD is a national research institute responsible for developing and promoting traditional medicines and pharmaceutical products, ensuring quality control, and providing training and capacity building in pharmaceutical research.
Speaking at the event, Pate said the agreement formalizes a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening vaccine research and addressing public health needs in Nasarawa State and beyond.
He noted that the collaboration would support research on vaccine development and the production of medicines to curb the spread of Lassa fever.
“NIPRD has the expertise as a centre of excellence, while FUTH, in addition to providing expertise across various fields, will also provide study participants and laboratory services needed for research trials,” he said.
In his remarks, the NIPRD Director-General thanked the minister for witnessing the signing and commended the CMD for his commitment to ensuring the success of the partnership.
On his part, the CMD of FUTH expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to the health sector, particularly in the areas of vaccines and research innovation.
He assured that the hospital would continue to invest in research to address dangerous diseases posing serious threats to human life.
