On August 7–8, 2025, The Global Health Network Nigeria welcomed Prof. Trudie Lang and Dr. Paul Kingpriest from the University of Oxford for a two-day advocacy visit and research capacity strengthening workshop in Abuja. The events brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, academics, and research advocates to advance Nigeria’s health research ecosystem.

Day 1: Strengthening Ties with the Ministry of Health

The delegation visited the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), where discussions focused on aligning The Global Health Network's open-access resources with national health priorities. Key highlights included:

• Calls for greater collaboration among research-focused groups.

• A proposal to establish a Research Coordination Desk within the Ministry.

• Updates on national research initiatives, such as the digitalization of ethics approval processes.

Prof. Lang emphasized The Global Health Network's role as a neutral broker of global knowledge and shared the importance of mapping Nigeria’s research institutions, drawing lessons from Brazil’s coalition model.

Day 2: Research Capacity Strengthening Workshop for Healthcare Workers

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, over 120 healthcare professionals joined the “Research Capacity Strengthening Workshop for Healthcare Workers,” with more than 60 additional participants online.

The workshop featured a rich program of keynote addresses, scientific presentations, and a vibrant panel session.

Highlights included:

• Prof. Trudie Lang on building a culture of research in hospitals.

• Dr. Kome Otokunefor on infection prevention and antimicrobial resistance.

• Dr. Antor O. Ndep on research ethics and strengthening health information systems.

• Dr. Paul Kingpriest with a live demonstration of The Global Health Network's open-access tools.

The panel discussion, themed “Translating Research into Practice – Strengthening Hospital-Based Research for Better Patient Outcomes,” explored strategies to better integrate research into clinical care. Recommendations included creating hospital-based research clubs, leveraging secondary data for low-cost studies, providing protected time for healthcare workers to do research, and improving dissemination of findings to stakeholders.

Strategic Engagement with the Honourable Minister of State for Health

The Global Health Network team also met with Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. He expressed strong support for The Global Health Network Nigeria’s mission and encouraged deeper collaboration to strengthen research nationwide.

Key Outcomes

• Stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health.

• Plans to link The Global Health Network's research tools with the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) platform.

• Commitment to building hospital-based research clubs across Nigeria.

• Opportunities to partner with corporate and academic stakeholders for funding.

• Momentum toward an upcoming scientific conference hosted by The Global Health Network Nigeria in December 2025, designed to showcase Nigerian research excellence and provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and visibility of locally driven research within the global health community.

Conclusion

This visit and workshop were not only a success but also a pivotal step in advancing health research in Nigeria. By connecting global expertise with local innovation, The Global Health Network Nigeria continues to build a sustainable foundation for impactful, evidence-based health solutions.

Read the full report and explore all the presentations via the links below:

Report on The Global Health Network Nigeria Advocacy Visit & Research Workshop at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Abuja & Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja

Infection Prevention & AMR: Evidence-Based Practices in Clinical Care

Research Ethics, Registries & Strengthening Health Information Systems

Building a Culture of Research in Hospitals

Live Demonstration of The Global Health Network's Open-Access Resources & Tools

See photos from the event below: 

A cross-section of Workshop Participants	Panel Interaction
Dr. Paul Kingpriest Presenting	Dr. Antor O. Ndep delivering her talk
Godwin Pius Ohemu moderating the workshop	Workshop Session
Interactive Learning	Prof. Trudie Lang making a keynote presentation
Dr. Azuka Raphael Njokanma delivering the welcome address	Dr. Muftau Bioku, representative of the Chief Medical Director, delivering the welcome address
Dr. Kome Otokunefor delivering her talk	Prof. Trudie Lang with Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State, Health & Social Welfare, Nigeria
Prof. Trudie Lang with Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako	Group Photo with Dr. Lola Dosumu, Special Adviser to the Minister of Health, alongside other senior advisers
The Global Health Network Nigeria delegate with the Honourable Minister	Dr. Azuka Raphael Njokanma in a handshake with the Honourable Minister
The Global Health Network Nigeria delegates at the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja	Interactive Session
Panel Reflection	The Global Health Network Nigeria Internal Meeting