Ashiru, renowned for his pivotal contributions to the field of reproductive healthcare, is also the Secretary-General of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS).
Ashiru told journalists that the institute is dedicated to reshaping the landscape of assisted reproductive technology in Nigeria.
Ashiru’s leadership embodies a commitment to driving innovative research and comprehensive training in infertility-related conditions, focusing on pivotal techniques such as IVF, embryology, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), trophectoderm biopsy, ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, and the integration of ultrasonography in IVF procedures.
He said the institute is established with a clear set of objectives aimed at revolutionising the landscape of assisted reproductive technology.
These include promoting groundbreaking research, focusing on understanding the root causes of ailments, particularly infertility, and introducing novel, advanced solutions in the field.
Also, Ashiru said the institute is tailored towards advancing diagnosis and treatment. “Initiating research projects and studies dedicated to diagnosis and treatments within the realm of assisted reproductive technology,” he said.
Ashiru said the institute will be training qualified health personnel by providing specialised training to appropriately qualified health professionals in various aspects of reproductive technology. He said successful participants will be awarded appropriate certificates of participation.
The fertility expert said the institute will collaborate for degree programmes. “We will be collaborating with universities to establish training programs that can lead to the award of degrees in the Science of Assisted Reproductive Technology, contributing to academic advancements in this critical field,” he said.
Ashiru said the institute will also promote excellence in medical research and education by fostering a culture of excellence in medical research and education pertinent to assisted reproductive technology, aimed at setting new benchmarks in the industry.
“Professor Oladapo A. Ashiru’s pioneering efforts through the Institute of Assisted Reproductive Technology Ltd./GTE aim to establish a center for innovation in reproductive healthcare. His leadership, as a co-pioneer of IVF in the region and his role in IFFS, signifies a commitment to advancing the frontiers of medical science and education in Nigeria,” IFFS said in a statement.
Ashiru said the Institute of Assisted Reproductive Technology is established to complement the operations of the Medical Art Center (MART group of health Services). “The institute is a sister company to the Medical Art Center, and will be the research and training facility within the MART GROUP of Health services.
Over the years, the Medical Art Center has been training experts in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Some have now established on their own while others are working with fertility clinics. The Institute now enables us to formalize the training and give certificates,” he said.
Ashiru said they already have a memorandum of understanding with the College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to collaborate so that the degree of Masters in Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Endocrinology can be awarded by the University for those who will be admitted for such training.
“It is the first center for Assisted Reproductive Technology to be established in Africa. Before now many Nigerian went to foreign countries like Britain, Spain, Denmark, and India to train. No, they can do such training here with full recognition.
“The Institute will not award degrees but the Universities we collaborate with can award degrees. However, we have the infrastructure, the technique and the human capital to provide a training ground for such degrees. The Institute is registered to award certificates,” he said.
