PLASU Seeks Research Partnership with Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria.

Acting Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, Professor Shedrack Best has led a delegation to the Abuja headquarters of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), to explore potential collaborations in research, best practices, and global network advancement.

The visit according to Prof. Best was aimed to forge a strong partnership between the two institutions.

Professor Shedrack Best highlighted that PLASU has established Faculty of Health Sciences, encompassing programs in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Public Health Sciences. He also announced the University’s recent approval to commence Medical Sciences program, with student admissions slated for the upcoming academic session commencing in October/November 2025.

The Acting Vice Chancellor specifically requested opportunities for PLASU faculty members to collaborate with IHVN on research initiatives and for students to gain valuable practical experiences through attachments and training within the institute.

He appealed to IHVN to consider donating a laboratory to PLASU or equipping an existing one to bolster the University’s research capabilities.

Receiving the PLASU delegation, the Chief Executive Officer, of IHVN, Dr. Patrick Dakum, expressed the institute’s keen interest in establishing a strong relationship with the University.

He acknowledged the current challenges of dwindling donor funding due to international policies but reaffirmed IHVN’s commitment to enhancing its services. Dr. Dakum pointed out that the initial groundwork for IHVN was laid in Plateau State, making a partnership with PLASU a natural and mutually beneficial progression.

The IHVN CEO pledged technical support to PLASU and expressed openness to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that could encompass various areas of collaboration.

These include the integration of PLASU staff into the directing teams of specific IHVN programs, access to IHVN’s quality assurance protocols and laboratory equipment maintenance expertise, the potential for IHVN staff to serve as faculty support for training at a future PLASU satellite campus potentially located within IHVN, joint grant application endeavors, and access to IHVN’s network for national and international accreditation of PLASU’s laboratory operations and services.

The visit signifies a proactive step by PLASU to enhance its research capacity and provide valuable opportunities for its faculty and students in the crucial field of human virology. While also strengthening ties with a prominent national health institution.