Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah is the Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer (MD/COO) of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and the Principal Investigator of the EXCEL RITE project. He is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the corporate operations division of the Institute, including administration, finance, contract administration, supply chain, legal, and board secretariate operations to support treatment, care, and support activities for thousands of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and other diseases in Nigeria. Dr. Mensah also supports IHVN’s International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) in building the infrastructure for research integrity.
Dr. Mensah, in this technical and administrative position, provides comprehensive oversight for the management of key areas of corporate operations, including strategic planning, resource mobilization and business development, financial management, human resources management, grants management, and supply chain management for the Institute in providing HIV/AIDS testing, counseling, to more than 11 million individuals and treatment to over 400,000 clients in Nigeria. He also develops short and medium-term strategic plans for resource management and space acquisitions, establishing site agreements with community organizations and external facilities. The MD/COO provides technical input and leadership in the daily management of IHVN accounts, ensuring timely analysis, reconciliation, and reporting of transferred funds.
Charles Olalekan Mensah, a prolific scholar and dedicated professional, has garnered recognition in diverse fields through his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and research. With a robust academic background and professional achievements, Charles has demonstrated his expertise and passion across various domains holding advanced degrees in his specialisation, Charles has contributed significantly to scholarly literature and practical applications. His research often bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world solutions, showcasing his ability to translate complex ideas into tangible outcomes. Charles is also known for his active involvement in numerous professional organizations, often taking on leadership roles to further industry standards and practices.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Charles advocates continuous learning and mentorship. He dedicates time to guiding emerging talents in his field, fostering a new generation of innovative thinkers and practitioners. His holistic approach to professional and personal development marks him not just as an individual of accomplishments but as a beacon of inspiration for others in his community and beyond.
In addition to his career, Charles is deeply engaged in various philanthropic efforts, demonstrating his commitment to positively impacting society. His multifaceted contributions continue to leave an indelible mark on his field and in the lives of those he touches through his work and service.
Charles Olalekan Mensah is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA), and a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the International Society for Research Administration (SRA).
He trained at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, where he earned a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy in 1985; the University of Baltimore, where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree in 2001; and Walden University, Minneapolis, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Services in 2020. He is married with children and loves to play soccer, badminton, table tennis, and lawn tennis.
