The Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) has reconstituted three of its strategic committees following the successful hosting of its historic 50th Annual Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, between 12th and 15th October 2026.
The reconstitution, announced by the President of the Society, Prof. Sammy Olufemi Sam-Wobo, following the approval of the PPSN Council, forms part of ongoing efforts to consolidate the gains of the Golden Jubilee Conference and strengthen the institutional structures and strategic direction of the Society.
This was contained in a statement issued by the PPSN Chairman, Communications Team, Dr Tajudeen Uthman.
The President, while announcing the new appointments, expressed profound appreciation to members of the outgoing committees for their dedication, commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Society.
He acknowledged their services and the roles they played in advancing the objectives of PPSN, noting that their efforts had contributed to strengthening the Society’s institutional activities and professional engagements.
The three committees affected by the reconstitution are the Ethics, Research and Professional Development (ERPD) Committee, the Honours and Privileges (HAP) Committee, and the Communications Team (CT). Their membership brings together distinguished academics, researchers and professionals from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, as well as representatives of relevant national and international organisations.
The Ethics, Research and Professional Development Committee will be chaired by Dr Franca Olamiju. Other members are Prof. Evelyn Uwa Edosomwan (South-South), Prof. Pascal Etusim (South-East), Prof. Omolade Okwa (South-West), Prof. Hemen Agere (North-East), Prof. Karderam Bukar Dikwa (North-West), Prof. Ruth Ombugadu (North-Central), Dr Sunday Isiyaku (Sightsavers), Chief Ben Nwobi (Independent NGO) and Dr Hilary Adie (UNICEF).
The Honours and Privileges Committee will be chaired by Prof. Uche Chukwuocha, with Dr Rhoda Nwalozie (South-South), Dr Oge Aribodor (South-East), Dr Albert Domo Gama (North-East), Dr Deborah Madi Dibal (North-West), Dr Terese Atsuwe (North-Central) and Dr Rufai Akinlabi Mohammed (South-West) as members.
Similarly, the Communications Team will be chaired by Dr Tajudeen Uthman. Its other members are Dr Evelyn Onosakponome (South-South), Dr Chioma Anorue (South-East), Dr Agbo Oche Joseph (North-East), Dr James Bemshima Orpin (North-West), Dr Olubiyo Comfort Kehinde (North-Central) and Dr Oluwayomi Adeyemi (South-West).
The reconstituted committees are expected to contribute significantly to the realisation of the Society’s strategic objectives. The Ethics, Research and Professional Development Committee will provide direction on professional ethics, research advancement and capacity development, while the Honours and Privileges Committee will facilitate the recognition of outstanding contributions and achievements within the Society.
The Communications Team is expected to strengthen the Society’s visibility, public image, information dissemination and stakeholder engagement through effective media relations, strategic communication and public enlightenment.
The composition of the committees reflects PPSN’s commitment to inclusiveness, regional representation, institutional collaboration and the mobilisation of professional expertise towards advancing parasitology and public health in Nigeria.
The President expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly appointed members to bring their wealth of experience, expertise and commitment to bear on their respective responsibilities. He encouraged them to work collaboratively towards strengthening the Society and advancing its mandate.
The reconstitution marks an important phase in PPSN’s post-Golden Jubilee institutional development, building on the achievements and renewed momentum generated by its historic 50th Annual Conference. It further underscores the Society’s commitment to research excellence, professional development, scientific collaboration and the advancement of public health in Nigeria and beyond.
