Nigeria’s Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar bags prestigious Roux Prize 2023

One of the world’s foremost public health professionals, Nigeria’s Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, of the University College, London, has been awarded the coveted Roux Prize 2023.

A beacon of excellence and transformational force, Abubakar, an indigene of Bauchi State, won the prize in recognition of his unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes over the last three decades and in celebration of his knowledge, dedication, and expertise.

Abubakar, currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences at University College, London, and a Professor in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, has tirelessly dedicated his life to improving public health globally.

Born and raised in Bauchi, his professional journey began at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained his medical degree in 1992. His unrelenting pursuit of knowledge also led him to specialize in public health medicine and engage in post-graduate studies in the United Kingdom.

Abubakar’s impact has gone far beyond the borders of his current base in the United Kingdom. Combining his research on tuberculosis and other infectious diseases with projects in Nigeria and various parts of Africa, he has championed the fight against some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

During the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Professor was at the forefront, serving as a key adviser to the Nigerian government.

It is on record that his invaluable expertise helped to guide Nigeria through the tumultuous times, leading to a significant decrease in the spread of the virus.

As part of his sterling achievements, Prof. Abubakar also drafted the Nigeria Commission of the Lancet, a leading international medical journal.

The Roux Prize, awarded by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, is a beacon of recognition for individuals who leverage evidence-based health data to improve population health. This year, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar was recognized, underscoring his extraordinary contributions to the world of public health.

Also to his credit is his tireless work that was instrumental to passing the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022, marking a watershed in Nigeria’s public health management. Expectedly, this landmark legislation will pave the way for a brighter future for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

In honouring Professor Abubakar, the Roux Prize 2023 celebrates a brilliant mind and recognizes his profound dedication to humanity. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the betterment of society and the improvement of public health for all.

For doing Nigeria proud, the nation celebrates and applaud this remarkable public health practitioner, researcher, and academic for his extraordinary achievements and for being a shining light in the world of public health.