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In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognise “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership & interpersonal skills, punctuality and adherence to company values and principles amongst others.

For September 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Clare Ohunayo, Emmanuella Emmanuel, Oluwayemisi Asiozi, Lem Kwem Imasuen, Oluwatoyin Awoyemi, Oluwakemi Akinyede, Elizabeth Ejura Ali, Johnbull Egharevba, Abdulmojeed Akande, Muhammed Usman, Lojah Pascal Nyam, Isaac Bakzak, Sanusi Abiodun, Rayi Oluwagbemi, Ebenezer Ajayi, Anderson Ricketts and Odola Oluwafemi, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our August star performers!

The US Deputy Chief of Mission, (DCM) to Nigeria, David Green has applauded the collaboration between the U.S. government, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and other partners in equipping adolescents with digital, vocational, and leadership skills through an Adolescent and Young People (AYP) Tech Hub.

Mr Greene said this during the graduation ceremony for 50 adolescents and young people from an eight-month program at an AYP Tech Hub in Abuja. He said the initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped with the tools to compete in the global digital economy.

“This initiative is not just about creating economic opportunities. It is about fostering a generation that will shape Nigeria’s future. Through the training and mentorship provided here, we are reducing vulnerabilities, encouraging personal and economic growth, and ensuring that these young people are not just participants in the economy, but leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to take their newly acquired skills beyond Nigeria’s borders and become global ambassadors of innovation and entrepreneurship.

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah thanked the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the U.S. government for their unwavering support. He emphasized the crucial role of partnerships in youth empowerment.

“The future belongs to those who are prepared, and today we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian leaders ready to take on global challenges.”

Dr. Mensah also urged the students to utilize the skills gained to impact their communities.

“As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the most successful people are not just those with skills, but those who continue to seek out new knowledge, who collaborate with others, and who never stop evolving. You are the future leaders, creators, and innovators who will solve the challenges of tomorrow. I encourage you to keep pushing boundaries, to embrace change, and to use your skills to make an impact—not just in your careers, but in the world at large.”

 Also at the ceremony, The District Head of Kurudu Community, Chief Ezra Gomna thanked the institute and its partners for locating the hub in his community. “This community has now been equipped and our children will not be unemployed because they have gained skills that will help them greatly in the future, I want to use this opportunity to urge those graduating to share their new skills with other members of the community, so you do not leave your brothers and sisters behind.”

The star graduating student and valedictorian of her set, Divine Adaobi was overjoyed and thankful to have been part of this initiative. “The tools we’ve acquired aren’t just for today, they are the keys to unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether creating apps, developing solutions, or leading digital transformations, we have become part of a movement that drives progress and shapes the future.”

“So, let’s stay curious, bold, and continue learning. The future is digital, and we are the innovators ready to build it,” she said.  

The AYP Tech Hub was established with funding from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through IHVN. It is located in the FCT and is designed to be a welcoming and innovative space where young people can access educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. The hub’s mission is to equip adolescents with the skills needed for global competitiveness, including digital literacy, vocational expertise, and leadership capabilities.

The program’s curriculum focused on skills such as ICT, robotics, coding, web and mobile app development, and digital marketing. Vocational training also covered make-up artistry and hair styling, catering services, and nail technology. Beyond technical skills, participants also received psychosocial support through mentorship, leadership training, and health services, including HIV testing and gender-based violence awareness.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is celebrating 20 years of “excellence in public health implementation, capacity building and research.”

IHVN was incorporated in October 2004. It started with the implementation of a grant by Professor William Blattner, who was the Director of the Epidemiology Division of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Institute of Human Virology.

The Institute was established to outlast the grant and address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV. IHVN has expanded its services to other infectious and non-infectious diseases as it continues to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research with guidance from a Board of Directors consisting of seasoned and committed professionals and leaders in health, business, research, management, finance, communications, and other areas.

Since 2004, IHVN has provided HIV testing services to more than 18 million people, life-saving antiretroviral treatment to more than 600,000 people, trained over 50,000 healthcare workers, and provided tuberculosis services to more than 300,000 individuals.

As the Institute commemorates this milestone, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said, “Some of the achievements can only be described in terms of beneficiaries that have come under the support of IHVN.”

Dr. Dakum added that IHVN has utilized financial support from funding agencies and partnership with all levels of government, the public and private sector, to put smiles of the faces of many.

The CEO praised the staff for their support, the University of Maryland for its technical guidance and stakeholders for their collaboration. He called for continued partnership in addressing the health needs of many more people in Nigeria and West Africa.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has showcased its commitment to Learning and Development (L&D) at the recent Champions for Talent Development (CTD2024) conference, themed “Igniting Sustainable Development through Learning and Development.” The conference gathered key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the pivotal role of L&D in fostering sustainable national development.

IHVN Program Manager L&D Department Bang Rwang, emphasized that the conference focused on examining the relationship between L&D and sustainable development. “Our participation at CTD2024 underscores how learning and development can enhance employability, creativity, and innovation,” she stated. The event featured keynote talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to share best practices and propose actionable strategies for strengthening the development agenda.

Secretary of the Abuja Chapter of the Learning and Development Network International (LDNI), Kate Pamsemlek highlighted the conference’s impact, “we identified significant opportunities for growth but stressed the need for a strategic approach to influence policy and implementation.” She noted the importance of collaboration among practitioners, professionals, and policymakers to ensure sustainable development through effective education and skills training.

The conference also addressed pressing issues, including the “Japa syndrome”—the emigration of skilled professionals—which has created skills gaps in the health sector.

“We’re excited to build on the momentum generated here,” Pamsemlek added. “Together, we can create a meaningful impact in the health sector and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.”

“As IHVN continues to lead in health service provision and capacity building, its active role in forums like CTD2024 illustrates a robust commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning essential for national development. IHVN aims to tackle these challenges through enhanced capacity building and partnerships with other health organizations,” Mrs Rwang said.

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.