The Parasitological Society of Nigeria has described the election of Nigerian parasitologist, Professor Sammy Olufemi Sam-Wobo, to the Executive Board of the World Federation of Parasitologists as a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa in the global fight against parasitic diseases.
Sam-Wobo was elected to the board during the ongoing 16th International Congress of Parasitology, ICOPA XVI, in Montréal, Canada, making Nigeria part of the leadership structure of the foremost international federation representing the global parasitology community.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Communication Committee of the Parasitological Society of Nigeria, Dr Tajudeen Olusegun Uthman, described the election as a moment of pride for Nigeria and a recognition of Sam-Wobo’s contributions to parasitology, public health, research and professional leadership.
Uthman said the election was particularly significant because Sam-Wobo had distinguished himself through research, teaching, mentorship and public-health interventions, especially in the areas of neglected tropical diseases.
“Professor Sam-Wobo’s emergence is more than a personal achievement. It is a significant recognition of the contribution of Nigerian parasitologists to global science and public health.
“His election provides Nigeria and Africa with another strong voice at the highest level of the international parasitology community,” he said.
Sam-Wobo, a public-health parasitologist and epidemiologist, has been involved in research and interventions targeting parasitic diseases of public-health importance, including onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis and other neglected tropical diseases.
His professional engagements have also included national and international collaborations in disease surveillance, research, capacity building and disease-control programmes.
According to the PPSN, his election makes him the second Nigerian to serve on the Executive Board of the WFP, further underscoring the country’s contribution to the development of parasitology globally.
Uthman said Sam-Wobo’s experience would be valuable to the WFP at a time when parasitic diseases were being shaped by emerging environmental, climatic and epidemiological challenges.
“Parasitic diseases remain a major public-health concern, particularly in Africa. At the same time, changes in climate, human movement, environmental conditions, drug resistance and the evolving epidemiology of infectious diseases are creating new challenges for parasitologists.
“Professor Sam-Wobo brings to the WFP Executive Board a wealth of experience and an understanding of the realities of parasitic diseases in Africa.
“We are confident that he will contribute effectively to global discussions while ensuring that the priorities and experiences of Africa receive appropriate attention,” Uthman said.
The World Federation of Parasitologists, established in 1960, brings together national societies and organisations involved in parasitology and provides a platform for international cooperation, scientific exchange and collaboration in the prevention and control of parasitic diseases.
Its flagship International Congress of Parasitology is held every four years and attracts scientists, researchers, academics and public-health professionals from across the world.
The ongoing ICOPA XVI in Montréal, themed “Parasites in a Changing World,” is focusing on emerging trends in parasitic diseases and the scientific and public-health interventions required to tackle them.
Uthman said Sam-Wobo’s election could also open new opportunities for Nigerian and African parasitologists, particularly young researchers, through stronger international partnerships, scientific exchange, mentorship and capacity development.
Meanwhile, Malaysia has won the bid to host the 17th International Congress of Parasitology in 2030.
The Malaysian bid proposed Kuching, Sarawak, as the host city, with the theme, “From Wild Landscapes to Global Health: Parasitology Without Borders.”
The development was announced at the ongoing congress in Montréal, where members of the global parasitology community are discussing the future direction of the discipline.
The development comes as the Parasitological Society of Nigeria prepares to mark its 50th Annual Scientific Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from October 12 to 15, 2026.
The golden jubilee conference is expected to attract leading parasitologists, researchers, academics, public-health professionals and other stakeholders from Nigeria and beyond.
The conference will provide a platform to reflect on five decades of Nigeria’s contribution to parasitology, strengthen scientific and professional collaborations and chart a new course for the discipline.
Uthman congratulated Sam-Wobo on his election and expressed confidence that the new WFP board member would use the position to advance parasitology and strengthen the global response to parasitic diseases.
“On behalf of the Communication Committee of the Parasitological Society of Nigeria, I extend our warmest felicitation to Professor Sammy Olufemi Sam-Wobo on this well-deserved election.
“We wish him a successful and impactful tenure on the WFP Executive Board. We are confident that he will continue to make Nigeria, Africa and the global parasitology community proud, while using this important platform to advance scientific collaboration and the fight against parasitic diseases,” he added.
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