CBN awards N234 million-grant to five lecturers
The Central Bank of Nigeria has awarded over N234 million in research grants to five beneficiaries of its Healthcare Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme.
One of the grants’ recipients was a professor of Epidemiology, Olufemi Babalola, who got a grant of N50 million. A professor of Microbiology, Ikechukwu Okoli, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, also received N50 million.
Others are Garba Bubah from Jigawa State Polytechnic (N42.1 million), John Ogedemgbe from the University of Abuja, and Otega Ejofodomi, from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, received N50 million and N42.4 million, respectively.
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a goodwill message at the event, commended CBN for providing support to the health sector, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mustapha, the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, said the HSRDIS was part of the bank’s policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained, “COVID-19 came with adverse and negative effects, but it has also provided an opportunity for us to transform our healthcare delivery system.
“This HSRDIS by the CBN will translate to establishing formidable institutions so that when we are confronted with another pandemic, future generations will benefit from those institutions.
“I appreciate the CBN governor and his management team for this initiative. It could not have come at a better time than now.”
The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, noted that the pandemic exposed Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system’s fragilities.
Mr. Emefiele said, “CBN, working with the Federal Government, has decided that we must begin to look inwards and provide for ourselves.
“That was the main reason why CBN set up the Body of Experts, chaired by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to steer the HSRDIS.
“Emphasis on research and development in developed countries has helped in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.”
According to him, the CBN received over 200 proposals, graded 68, and the best five picked.
He said that the scheme would provide grants to enable research and development activities into vaccines, drugs, and herbal medicines for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Two suspects in Oyo-Iwo Expressway armed robbery nabbed: Police
The police command in Oyo state said it has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a firearm linked to a robbery along the Oyo-Iwo Expressway in Afijio.
Heading 4
Done Global CEO Ruthia He sentenced to 72 months, fined $90 million for distributing millions of Adderall pills
As the investigation closed in, Ms He continued to move assets and company operations abroad. She researched non-extradition countries on her MacBook and saved a screenshot of the results.
Africa
Grassroots support crucial to fighting irregular migration, says ECOWAS parliament
The ECOWAS Parliament says grassroots engagement is crucial to developing more effective regional policies to address the growing menace of irregular migration across West Africa.
Enugu
Enugu: Police impound 195 vehicles for registration, number plate violations
The police command in Enugu has impounded 195 vehicles for registration and number plate violations.
Africa
Nigeria-South Africa relations must be anchored on respect, protection of citizens: APC Governors
The Forum of First-Term Governors under the Progressives Governors’ Forum has condemned attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.
Enugu
Nwifuru enrols 200 people with sickle cell disease in Ebonyi health insurance scheme
The Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation has enrolled 200 people with sickle cell disease in the state’s health insurance scheme.
