University of Abuja Students Pay Courtesy Visit to IHVN
About 100 Medical Laboratory Science students from the University of Abuja have paid a courtesy visit to the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) Campus to gain firsthand insights into healthcare research. During the visit, the students toured the campus and participated in interactive sessions with laboratory and research experts at the Institute.
Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) Prof. Alash’le Abimiku shared the history of IHVN and urged the students to work hard.
“We started as a small organization with about ten staff but now, we have a capacity of over 600 staff. That is just to tell you the power of new beginnings. If you have a passion, pursue it. This is a moment of partnership; partnership is important in growth and this visit to the institute will build your resilience to continue to chase your dreams” she added.
IHVN Deputy Director of Laboratory Services, Mrs. Petronilla Ozumba highlighted some of the successes of the Institute in the country including, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, promoting quality diagnosis, enhancing capacity building in Nigeria and beyond, and implementing interventions to strengthen laboratory diagnostics and surveillance. Mrs Ozumba added that IHVN has also supported health facilities for integrated HIV/TB and priority disease diagnosis for patient management, supported the establishment of six Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories, a National Equipment Calibration Canter, and provides technical assistance to the External Quality Assurance center.
The students toured various laboratories to learn about ongoing research projects, disease surveillance methods, and the technologies used in testing and diagnosis. One of the students, A first-year student, Isah Aisha Sophia said she is inspired by the work done in the Institute “This experience has shown me how important research and technology are in tackling public health challenges in real-time. I also love the beautiful structure IHVN has here.”
Another student, Yusuf Mulikat Onize said the visit is a great learning experience. “I love the equipment and the work that goes on in the laboratories, I have been inspired to work hard and pass so I can work in a laboratory when I am done with school”
During the interactive session with IHVN staff, the students discussed the institute’s partnerships with international health organizations, the challenges of managing large-scale public health interventions, and the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The discussion also explored career opportunities for young professionals interested in health research and public health management.
The Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Science at the University of Abuja, Prof Khadijat Toyin was represented by the Deputy Dean of the Faculty, Dr Chinedum Ahaiweh during the visit. She commended IHVN for its contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. “This visit has been educational and eye-opening for our students. The critical work being done here serves as a beacon of hope for future healthcare practitioners,” she remarked.
The Head of Department of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Charity Ndidi, and some lecturers were also in attendance.
