President Tinubu Appoints First Female NACA DG in Historic Move for Nigeria’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Temitope Ilori as the new Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), making her the first woman to hold the position.

Dr. Ilori officially assumed her role on February 22, 2024, for an initial term of four years, succeeding Dr. Gambo Aliyu.

Dr. Ilori is a seasoned professional in the field of healthcare, with an impressive academic background.

She holds an MBBS degree from the University of Ibadan and completed her residency training at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

She distinguished herself as the best graduating Fellow of the Faculty of Family Medicine, West African College of Physicians, in April 2012, earning the prestigious A.O. Senbanjo Prize.

In addition to her medical qualifications, Dr. Ilori also possesses a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ibadan.

She is currently pursuing her PhD at the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Dr. Ilori’s research interests span across various areas, including primary care, immunization, public health nutrition, non-communicable diseases, and women’s and child’s health.

She has contributed significantly to the scientific community with over 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Her appointment comes with high expectations as she brings her expertise and experience in policy formulation and strategic development to NACA.

She previously served as the Commissioner for Health in Osun State, Nigeria, from 2011 to 2014, and as the Chairperson of the Osun State Agency on Control of HIV/AIDS and the Osun State Technical Working Group on Immunization.

Dr. Ilori’s appointment is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS, as it not only brings a fresh perspective to the agency but also highlights the importance of women’s empowerment in leadership roles.

As the new NACA DG, Dr. Ilori will be responsible for leading the agency in its mission to control and mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS across Nigeria.

Her appointment is expected to bring renewed vigor and expertise to the fight against the disease, which remains a major public health challenge in the country.