Institute of Human Virology, Access Bank Partner on N5billion Research Centre

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, IHVN, is collaborating with Access Bank to raise N5 billion for the building of a state-of-the-art International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) in Abuja.

This move is to promote public and private partnership for quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa.

The partnership also includes the Dangote Foundation.

The centre which was established in 2015 is one of the major fulcrums of the vision of IHVN as a local non-governmental and not-for-profit organization established to bring quality health services within the reach of millions of Nigerians and nationals of the West African region.

The Executive Director, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, who spoke at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, May 19, said the ultra-modern research facility by IHVN will go a long way in helping to nip diseases in the bud.

According to Etuokwu, Access Bank is not just focused on making profit, but is also a responsible corporate organization.

“The true essence of life is relationship with others. It’s the real reason we are here. When we sit back and watch diseases take over while we do nothing, we stand to lose everything. I think it’s a really worthy cause. So here is a call to you to come, join hands with IHVN and help restore hope.

“Like we say in our sustainability framework, we are a bank that is not just focused on profit, but also on people and the planet,” Etuokwu said.

On his part, the IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Dakum said the IRCE as a Centre of IHVN would be directed under the leadership of Professor Alash’le G. Abimiku, a distinguished scientist herself, IHVN will use the center to create an enabling environment for creative thinking and innovation in science to address Nigeria’s and global health priorities. He described Access Bank as a worthy partner in the project.

“We have a vision as an institute to continue to carry out qualitative research. The institute is expected to provide a platform for the implementation of research and clinical trials of international standards at IHVN as part of global networks; and foster collaborations and synergism between Nigeria’s finest researchers and their counterparts at international research institutions and universities,” he added.