Category Archives: News And Articles

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has said that the Institute is committed to providing timely and relevant services to meet Nigeria’s public health needs. Dr. Dakum stated this during a retreat for the organization’s senior management staff and Team Leads in Lagos, Nigeria.

“This year, the beneficiaries of our services will be encountering program delivery that is highly efficient and research that is relevant to the needs of the populations that we serve.”  He said that the retreat has also equipped senior staff with leadership skills for team success.

Also at the retreat, the IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah stated that the participants have reviewed the organization’s performance in 2024, and identified gaps and strategies for enhanced performance in 2025. Dr. Mensah called for collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind.

“For public health interventions to be successful, we need collaboration amongst multiple partners with each demonstrating and honing their areas of comparative advantage. We are open to partnership and appreciate existing collaborators,” he said.

The retreat featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, leadership training, group strategy sessions, and team bonding activities.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the IHVN Board of Directors, Sir Steve Omojafor urged the leaders to use power wisely and utilize influence to persuade and motivate others. He said that good use of power enables leaders to build a productive workforce and utilize talents for the best solutions.

IHVN Board Director, Mr Foluso Phillips called the Team Leads to involve staff in decision-making, uphold the dignity of team members, be fair, and create an environment where people can be their best.

The IHVN Annual 2025 Performance and Strategy Review Retreat was themed, “Enhancing Progress, Accelerating Results for Sustainability.”

In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognize “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership and interpersonal skills, punctuality, and adherence to company values and principles, amongst other things.

For December 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Chidinma Ibe, Ahuche Doreen, Helen Oluwatoyin Ademola, Adeyinka Owoade, Oyediran Oludare, Dungji Gogwim Simon, Zachariah Bako, Oyeleye Samuel Olukunjo, Chinye Dumebi Rosemary, Adebimpe Manuwa and Ogunduboye Adebayo whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our December star performers!

IHVN to Organize Symposium at PANCONF 2025

To strengthen its governance structure and capacity to provide quality healthcare services, capacity building, and research in Nigeria, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has inducted two eminent professionals, Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora and Barr. Paul Usoro, SAN, as members of its Board of Directors.

At the ceremony, IHVN Board Chairman Alhaji Dr. Umaru Muttallab expressed confidence in the new members’ capabilities to drive the organization’s vision forward.

“I am very excited to admit two new members to the board and these are people that have come with vast experience, one experienced in the pharmaceutical industry and research and the other, very experienced as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and this is going to boost the board of IHVN,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the new members’ contributions to making the Board more effective, efficient, and result oriented.

Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora is a distinguished pharmacist and academic with invaluable experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. He is a former Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

“I am committed to ensuring the availability of drugs and pharmaceutical products for the treatment of tuberculosis and the maintenance of HIV care and I will encourage the management to engage with manufacturers to establish long- or short-term relationships. This approach would make these essential drugs more affordable for the organization and individuals living with HIV. Furthermore, there is no reason why this Institute cannot become a producer of pharmaceutical products itself. I am more than honored to join the board because of the caliber of people at the institute. They are individuals of great integrity, and I am genuinely happy to be part of this team” Prof. Mora said.

In the same vein, Barrister Paul Usoro, who was also inducted said that his diverse background will support the organization’s goals.

“My background is diverse. I sit on the board of a bank and have served on multiple boards, including financial institutions and telecommunications companies. I bring experience in governance, which is crucial for an organization like this. Combining this governance expertise with my core field and legal practice, I can contribute meaningfully in those areas. For instance, in the financial sector, we focus on objectives and goals to measure achievements. Similarly, I will apply this approach to support the institute’s initiatives.”

He added that “the institute’s objectives are noble, primarily focused on helping humankind from a medical perspective. Anything that aids humanity is worth encouraging. I am privileged to join this board and contribute in whatever way I can to advance the institute’s goals.” The IHVN board consists of seasoned, committed professionals and leaders in health, business, research, management, finance, communications and other areas who drive the Institute’s mission to ensure equitable access to quality health services through innovative and evidence-based services.

To share knowledge, enhance compliance practices and build strong financial systems, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has organized its 3rd Annual Accountants Conference, themed “Advancing Excellent Grant Compliance” in Abuja.  

Financial professionals, internal auditors, and grant managers from across the country gathered for the four-day event which explored topics like regulatory changes, managing resources in a hyper-inflation economy, and using risk assessment tools.  

IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum enjoined participants to uphold excellence in their tasks and gain the skills and knowledge to uphold donor requirements and Nigerian regulations.

“Excellence is the hallmark of IHVN. As an institution, our success depends on our people. When we invest in training them to be excellent, we strengthen our systems, which helps attract and retain key donors,” he said.

Dr. Dakum added that the Institute’s centralized payment system and real-time transaction tracking have been vital in ensuring financial accuracy and timeliness. “Our commitment to transparency is a key reason why we continue to attract substantial support from major donors like the Global Fund,” he explained.

IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi said the conference is organized by the Institute with the support of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

“Our goal is to ensure everyone understands what is allowable and what isn’t. This helps us reduce issues and meet both our mandates and those of our donors. Participants find so much value in these sessions,” he stated.

Mr. Alabi said that participants, including sub-recipients working with, the Institute in 36 states have been updated on current regulations and federal guidelines, to enhance professionalism.

He also acknowledged the crucial support of the IHVN Executive Management, funders like CDC Nigeria, USAID, and Global Fund, and the collaboration with ICAN, which provided Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to participants.

“This conference wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication to equipping our staff for success,” he said.

Conference Participants said that they gained invaluable insights at the meeting.

IHVN Grants and Contracts Assistant, Mr. Alonge Michael said that he “learned best practices for effective grant lifecycle management and risk mitigation techniques. This has broadened my knowledge on how to maintain grant integrity,” Michael noted.

IHVN Assistant Director Internal Audit and Compliance, Mr. Kayode Olaleye explained that the conference equipped participants with knowledge on how to adapt policies based on real-world challenges. He added that sessions on Artificial Intelligence and tax laws were especially beneficial.