x

COVID-19: Nigeria set to debut first vaccine in 18 months as TETFund supports local production with N450m

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

Nigeria’s has began moves to kick start it’s initial COVID -19 vaccines in 18 months following support of N450 million donation by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Meanwhile Project Manager, Nigeria COVID-19 Research Coalition (NCRC), Prof. Poopola Mustapha, has hinted that at least $500 million is needed yearly for research and development in the health sector.

Mustapha disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a colloquium organised by the coalition.
According to him, e proposition by the African Union (AU) has proposed that countries should set aside one per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a contribution for research and development (R&D).

He said, “Our National GDP is $500 billion and one per cent of this is $5 billion.”
Mustapha explained that before now, TETFund used to concentrate on funding for research and development only in the tertiary education sector, but for the first time, it brought together five institutions that are having real-time business in terms of the development of vaccines in the country, using the COVID-19 model.

He noted that institutions involved include the National Veterinary Research Institute (NDRI), Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto; the University of Jos and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), as “we are looking at the reagents component of what is needed so that it can be produced locally.”

Daybreak reports that the highest grant portfolio for research is around $20 million while the health sector requires at least $500 million yearly to have concrete research for qualitative development.

Coordinator of NCRC, Dr. Chinwe Ochu, advocated for domestic funding for the pandemic and other health research in the country, and disclosed that her organisation was set up to conduct COVID19 research, but lamented the absence of funding.

Hot this week

NOA: Value of Vision

By Tolu MedunaOn 3rd November 2023, during a Strategic...

Super Falcons Receive N50m Cash Gift from Governor Dapo Abiodun [PHOTOS]

The Super Falcons have received a ₦50 million cash...

Awful and Outplayed – Why Arne Slot Must Look Inward to End Liverpool’s Slump

Liverpool manager Arne Slot blamed tactical adjustments from opponents...

North-Central APC Forum Backs Mutfwang, Rejects Plateau APC Leaders’ Move to Block Defection

By Israel Adamu, JosThe North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

The Global Governance Initiative and the Quest for a Multipolar World

By Prof. Udenta O. UdentaThe world is changing, and...

Wednesday 29 October 2025

Serie A18:30 CET ComovVerona 18:30 CET JuventusvUdinese 18:30 CET RomavParma 20:45...

Justine Madugu Signs New Two-Year Deal as Super Falcons Coach

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that...

ATA 1–1 MIL: Match Review and Updated Serie A...

Lookman Rediscovers Scoring Form Ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup Playoff

Ademola Lookman finally ended his goal drought on Tuesday...

Principal Urges Parents to Monitor Children’s Activities to Curb Social Vices

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Principal of GYB Model Science...

CHAIN Urges Federal Government to Adopt National Policy on Religious Freedom and Equal Protection

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img