National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development

09/02/2026

From Ideas to Action!

NIPRD played host to Scientists from across Africa for the SPARK Translation Research Bootcamp in Abuja, Nigeria to deliver real impact and practical skills for translating ideas into real life solutions.

A successful gathering of innovators ready to lead and build.
We don't just learn, we create momentum.
We don’t just learn, we SPARK change.

04/02/2026

Glad to have the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, deliver the keynote address, and to declare open the week-long SPARK Africa Translational Research Boot Camp in Abuja, Nigeria.

Whilst delivering a thought-provoking welcome address, Dr Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), challenged Scientists to remain courageous and never cower in the face of adversity, and to resist hiding behind titles and accolades that distance them from society. He emphasized that the true worth of science lies in its translation into tangible benefits for humanity. Translational science, the bridge between discovery and application, must become our rallying cry. According to Adigwe, it is not enough to publish papers in prestigious journals or to accumulate honours, rather, it is solving the problems that plague our communities by developing vaccines, renewable energy solutions, sustainable agriculture, and equitable healthcare systems.

29/01/2026

Nigeria to host 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Conference.

The SPARK initiative, which was founded over two decades ago at Stanford University, bridges the bench-to-bedside gap by providing the education, mentorship, and resources needed to translate research discoveries into tangible healthcare solutions...

27/01/2026

Join other Thought Leaders and Policy Makers at the colloquium for a congress of Ideas and Actions on February 2nd, 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Nigeria Strengthens Global Health Innovation as Abuja Hosts 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Conference

Nigeria is set to take centre stage in Africa’s health research ecosystem as the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), under the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, partners with Stanford University’s SPARK Global to host the 2026 SPARK Africa Translational Research Bootcamp and Scientific Conference in Abuja from February 2–7, 2026.

The high-impact event will bring together leading scientists, innovators, policymakers, and industry experts to strengthen Africa’s capacity to translate scientific discoveries into real world healthcare solutions. The programme focuses on bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical, public health, and commercial applications.
Speaking on the initiative, NIPRD Director General, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, emphasized that translational research is key to delivering measurable health and socio economic impact by integrating science with healthcare delivery, policy, and industry.

Founded at Stanford University over 20 years ago, the SPARK initiative, led by Professor Daria Mochly Rosen, has supported over 1,000 research projects globally, helped launch multiple startups, and advanced several products into clinical trials especially in maternal health, global health, and orphan diseases.

With SPARK Global now active in over 40 institutions worldwide, hosting the Africa edition positions Nigeria as a strategic hub for research and innovation. Previous SPARK Africa conferences were held in Zimbabwe (2023) and Mozambique (2024).

NIPRD’s growing leadership in vaccine research, local drug development, and pharmaceutical innovation aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda adds strong momentum to the event.

Analysts say the 2026 SPARK Africa Conference will attract global partnerships, enhance local research capacity, reduce import dependence, and further position Nigeria as a continental leader in science, technology, and healthcare innovation.

By George Dotimi(BOSTON ONLINE MEDIA)

27/01/2026

2026 Spark Translational Research Bootcamp and Conference (Abuja, Nigeria) is close.

Do Not Miss This Opportunity.
6 Days To Go
February 2-6 2026.
@ Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Bringing Together Scientists From Across Africa Universities And Research Institutes For Ideas.

19/01/2026

In a significant stride towards healthcare innovation and self-reliance across Africa and in many parts of the developing world, the Presidential Initiatives for Unlocking the Health Sector Value Chain (PVAC), the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) are collaborating with SPARK at Stanford University to train and educate local African scientists to directly address the health needs of the continent. The bootcamp and conference will bring together scientists from across African universities and research institutes for training and collaboration using the SPARK translational research model, offering opportunities for education, interaction and collaboration to enable and empower local researchers to develop local capacity leveraging translational research principles.

Join other Thought Leaders and Policy Makers at the colloquium for a congress of Ideas and Actions.

12/01/2026

In a significant stride towards healthcare innovation and self-reliance across Africa and in many parts of the developing world, the Presidential Initiatives for Unlocking the Health Sector Value Chain (PVAC), the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) are collaborating with SPARK at Stanford University to train and educate local African scientists to directly address the health needs of the continent. The bootcamp and conference will bring together scientists from across African universities and research institutes for training and collaboration using the SPARK translational research model, offering opportunities for education, interaction and collaboration to enable and empower local researchers to develop local capacity leveraging translational research principles.

Join other Thought Leaders and Policy Makers at the colloquium for a congress of Ideas and Actions.

21/12/2025

Great value addition to Nigeria's Health Sector!

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), with support from the World Bank, recently organized a capacity-building workshop to empower Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers to pursue World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-qualification for antimalarial medicines. Pre-qualification is a globally recognized certification that ensures medicines meet international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy, and opens doors to broader regional and global markets. During the workshop, participants gained insights into critical requirements, including documentation, quality assurance systems, and regulatory expectations required for WHO standards. This sort of intervention aligns with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain and ensuring medicines quality.

https://pharmanewsonline.com/niprd-empowers-pharma-companies-to-attain-who-pre-qualification-for-antimalarials/




&SW

09/12/2025

2026 SPARK Translational Research Bootcamp and Conference (Abuja, Nigeria) - https://mailchi.mp/8eb9720050ff/2026-spark-translational-research-bootcamp-and-conference-abuja-nigeria

05/12/2025

Here's What's Happening!

Grateful to the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate for gracing the MoU signing ceremony between the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (FUTHL).

The collaboration seeks to address inherent gaps in local production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. It also aligns with the Institute’s strategy of forging high-impact partnerships that accelerate national pharmaceutical innovation and capacity building.

24/11/2025

Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum Post-Engagement

09/11/2025

Are you an Entrepreneur or in Academia, Science or Research? Here is how to get involved in Africa's biggest grant for Health Research & Manufacturing.
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FOLLOW TO PARTICIPATE

Further to NIPRD's groundbreaking roadmap, the MAV+ 18 million Euro grant has now been signed.

In addition to catalyzing innovation & entrepreneurship, other emergent aspects include business collaborations, scholarships, training and exchange visits.
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Follow us to get involved:

www.x.com/DrAdigwe
www.youtube.com/c/drobiadigwe
www.niprd.gov.ng