NIMR to Set Up National Clinical Trial Network

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in has announced plans to set up a National Clinical Trial Network that will connect research and healthcare institutions across the country.

The Deputy Director of Research, Dr David Oladele, said the clinical trial network will boost Nigeria’s ability to conduct large clinical studies and encourage collaboration among universities, teaching hospitals, and private health facilities.

Oladele, who made the disclosure at the institute’s monthly media chat explained that NIMR already conducted Phase I–IV clinical trials on both infectious and non-communicable diseases such as kidney disease and hypertension. The institute, he said, is well equipped with a 10-bed clinical trial unit, ISO-certified Central Research Laboratory, biorepository, data centre, and an NHREC-accredited ethics board, making it a regional hub for advanced medical research.

He also noted that NIMR has a strong record in studies on HIV, malaria, COVID-19, and diagnostic innovations, which have helped shape national treatment guidelines and public health policies. He called for more funding and private-sector support to strengthen research activities.

Also at the event, Dr Paschal Ezeobi, head of Clinical Sciences Department, shared findings from a joint study between NIMR and Emory University, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study looks at bone loss among HIV patients on long-term therapy and seeks ways to protect their bone health.

In another presentation, Dr Agatha Eileen Wapmuk spoke about the ACCESS-HPV Project (For Girls and Women), supported by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, which promotes human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening. She said the pilot phase conducted in seven states recorded over 94 percent vaccination uptake and has now expanded to 18 states nationwide.

The Director-General of NIMR, Prof. Oladapo John Obafunwa, emphasises that the media chat shows the institute’s leadership in public health innovation, reaffirming its commitment to improving HIV care, women’s health, and Nigeria’s overall health security.