UNIZIK VC Receives the 2026 PANDEMITHON Team.
On Thursday, 26th March, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, received members of the PANDEMITHON 2026 team who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
The PANDEMITHON 2026 team has been in UNIZIK since Monday, 23rd March, 2026, participating in a week-long workshop aimed at developing a prototype vaccine for Mpox (monkeypox).
Addressing the team, the Vice-Chancellor commended their initiative and charged them to remain committed to producing safe, effective, and globally acceptable vaccines against the monkeypox disease. He assured them of the University Management’s full support and cooperation to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.
PANDEMITHON 2026 is a pioneering hybrid, African-led innovation hackathon focused on accelerating the development of an Mpox vaccine prototype. The initiative brings together scientists, researchers, and professionals across disciplines to collaborate on antigen design and bioanalysis, with the broader goal of strengthening Africa’s health security through local innovation.
Members of the visiting team include: Prof. Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu, Local Chairman, PANDEMITHON; Prof. Blessing Umeokoli, Head, Pharmacy and Medical Chemistry; Dr. A.B. Elias, Immunology Sectional Head; Prof. Iwen Edet of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Jos; Gifty Maalifaar Laryea; Jonathan Konor, Director of Programmes, Association of African Universities; Isabella Tetteh Ahinakwa, Assistant TV Manager, Association of African Universities; Rev. Dr. Chiemela Chukwudum, Forensic Science Laboratory Technology; Dr. Chika Florence Ikeogu, Department of Fisheries; and Dr. Eluemuno Blyden.
