Ebola Outbreak: Postgraduate Students Demand Funding for Local Vaccine Research

The Postgraduate Students Association of Nigeria (PGSAN) has called on the Federal Government to increase funding for vaccine research and development following the recent Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.

The association made the call in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Adeleke Olorunwa Emmanuel, and National Secretary, Olorunniyi Bukunmi Samuel, in which it also commended the Federal Government, health authorities and frontline workers for their response to the outbreak.

PGSAN urged the government to establish dedicated research funds for Ebola, Lassa fever and other haemorrhagic fevers endemic to Africa, warning that the continent’s dependence on foreign vaccines and therapeutics could hamper its response to future outbreaks.

It said the activation of surveillance systems, deployment of rapid response teams, screening at points of entry and public awareness campaigns reflected lessons learnt from Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak.

The association also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising health security but stressed the need for greater investment in local scientific research to reduce dependence on foreign solutions.

“This is a wake-up call. The recurring nature of Ebola in Africa shows that we cannot afford to be reactive always,” the association said.

PGSAN called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Medical Research Council to establish special intervention funds for vaccine research.

It also urged the government to provide universities with modern laboratory equipment and adequate funding to enable researchers to develop vaccines locally.

The association specifically cited Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among institutions whose researchers could contribute to vaccine development if adequately supported.

According to PGSAN, Nigeria should champion an African-led vaccine initiative rather than continue to depend on imported solutions during disease outbreaks.

The association warned that Ebola posed risks beyond public health, including potential consequences for national security, education and the economy.

It expressed readiness to work with the government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and research institutes, saying postgraduate students could contribute the scientific expertise needed to strengthen the country’s preparedness for future outbreaks.

PGSAN also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, maintain personal hygiene and follow NCDC guidelines. The association describes itself as the umbrella body for more than 200,000 postgraduate students across Nigerian universities.

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