By Daniel Edu
In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has introduced the designated roles of 45 ministers, just over a week after their confirmation by the Senate following a comprehensive screening process.
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday at the State House Conference in Abuja’s Aso Villa, where President Tinubu will officiate the swearing-in of the ministers.
An outstanding figure in the realm of global health leadership, Prof. Ali Muhammad Pate, has been named by Tinubu as the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare. With a track record of accomplishments, Pate’s extensive experience makes him a fitting candidate for this role.
Before his recent appointment, Pate was notably involved in various health-focused boards across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, while also holding prominent positions both within Nigeria and internationally.
Here are key insights about Ali Pate:
– Born on September 6, 1968, in the Misau local government area of Bauchi State, he was the first in his family to complete secondary education.
– An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, he graduated from ABU and then worked in rural hospitals in Gambia for several years.
– Pate is a physician specialized in internal medicine and infectious diseases, holding an MBA from Duke University in the United States. He also studied at University College London and earned a Master’s in Health System Management from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
– Joining the World Bank Group as a Young Professional in 2000, Pate focused on health matters across various regions, including Africa and East Asia-Pacific.
– Serving as the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Agency from 2008 to 2011, he introduced policies that significantly decreased instances of wild poliomyelitis.
– His contributions earned him recognition, including the Harvard Health Leader award from the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme in 2012 for his work in developing countries’ healthcare.
– Pate was later appointed as a professor at Duke University’s Global Health Institute in the USA and subsequently received the title of Chigarin Misau for his public service achievements in Nigeria. He founded the Chigari Foundation, aiming to engage Nigerian communities.
– His tenure as CEO of Big Win Philanthropy from 2015 involved investing in children and youth in developing countries to enhance their prospects for long-term economic growth.
– Pate took part in various elections, including contesting for the Bauchi state governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party.
– He has also been a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and fulfilled roles at organizations like the World Bank, Gavi, and the Global Fund.
– In July 2023, Pate left his position as CEO of Gavi to return to Nigeria and contribute to the country.
– His comprehensive involvement encompasses boards, panels, and committees on both national and international fronts, showcasing his commitment to healthcare advancement.
Married and the father of six, Pate’s background and accomplishments underscore his potential to play a vital role in healing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
