Our People
College Leadership
The men and women guiding WAPCMLS towards its mission of producing world-class medical laboratory science specialists across West Africa.
Principal Officers
The executive leadership of the College responsible for strategic direction and day-to-day governance.
Dr Haddy Bah, PhD, FWAPCMLS
President
Dr. Haddy Bah is a distinguished medical laboratory scientist, researcher, academic, and healthcare leader with significant contributions to laboratory medicine, infectious disease research, and postgraduate professional training in West Africa. Dr. Bah is the Chief Scientist and Researcher at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in The Gambia and also serves as a Lecturer at the University of The Gambia, School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Microbiology and is a Fellow in Medical Virology, with extensive expertise in infectious diseases, public health, antimicrobial resistance, and virology. Her research interests are centered on Human Papillomavirus (HPV), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial stewardship, and evidence based public health interventions. She has led and contributed to several impactful healthcare and research initiatives, including the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship systems aimed at promoting rational antibiotic use and strengthening patient care outcomes within the region. Beyond research and clinical science, Dr. Bah has contributed to health policy development and regional professional collaboration through engagements with healthcare institutions, academic bodies, and public health stakeholders across West Africa.
Prof Nafiu Amidu, Mls.D, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Registrar
Prof. Nafiu Amidu is a distinguished Professor of Chemical Pathology, researcher, academic leader, and medical laboratory scientist with extensive contributions to biomedical laboratory education, research, and specialist professional training in West Africa. Prof. Amidu is affiliated with the Department of Clinical Chemistry at the School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Ghana, where he has held several academic and leadership positions, including Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences. He is a Foundation Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS) and previously served as the Foundation President of the College. His research interests span chemical pathology, metabolic disorders, endocrinology, reproductive health, toxicology, clinical biochemistry, and public health laboratory science. He has authored numerous peer reviewed scientific publications and contributed significantly to postgraduate specialist training, research capacity development, and the advancement of laboratory medicine within the West African sub-region. Beyond academia and research, Prof. Amidu has contributed to professional regulation, institutional development, and regional collaboration aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and medical laboratory science practice across Africa.
Dr Denon Yves Eric Donan, FWAPCMLS
Deputy Registrar
Dr. Denon Yves Eric Donan is a medical laboratory scientist, microbiologist, researcher, and public health professional with extensive experience in infectious disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and biomedical research in West Africa. Dr. Donan is affiliated with the Ministry of Health in Benin, where he has contributed significantly to national public health laboratory systems, disease surveillance, and research activities. His work focuses on microbiology, malaria, meningitis, cholera, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases of public health importance. His research interests include medical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, parasitology, antimicrobial resistance, and epidemiological surveillance. He has authored and co authored several scientific publications on infectious diseases, laboratory diagnostics, and public health interventions, contributing to the advancement of biomedical research and laboratory medicine within the region. Beyond research and laboratory practice, Dr. Donan has contributed to regional professional collaboration, postgraduate specialist training, and healthcare capacity strengthening initiatives aimed at improving laboratory systems and public health outcomes across West Africa.
Prof. Nneka Regina Agbakoba, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Treasurer
Prof. Nneka Regina Agbakoba is a distinguished Nigerian academic, researcher, and Professor of Medical Microbiology in the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She has made significant contributions to medical microbiology, diagnostic microbiology, bacteriology, and human microbiome research, with particular interest in probiotics and infectious diseases. Over the years, Prof. Agbakoba has supervised several postgraduate research projects, contributed extensively to scientific publications, and participated in local and international research collaborations in microbiology and reproductive health studies. Her work has advanced knowledge in diagnostic microbiology, microbial infections, and human microbiome studies.
Dr Kossi Kabo, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Assistant Treasurer
Dr. Kossi Kabo is an accomplished Medical Laboratory Scientist, public health professional, and academic with extensive experience in laboratory systems strengthening, quality management, diagnostics, and healthcare administration across West Africa. He currently serves as a lecturer and researcher, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical laboratory science, quality assurance, and public health systems. Over the years, he has worked with universities, healthcare institutions, and international development partners, playing active roles in capacity building, laboratory management, and implementation of quality systems aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. His research contributions, as reflected in his academic publications and professional profile, focus on public health, medical laboratory practice, infectious diseases, and quality management systems.
Faculty Deans
Academic leaders who oversee curricula, training, and examinations across the five specialist faculties.
Dr Ahmed A. Mashud, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Chairman
Dr. Ahmed A. Mashud serves as Chairman of the Faculty of Histopathology at the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS). He is a distinguished histopathology and laboratory medicine professional from Ghana with experience in diagnostic pathology, medical laboratory practice, and postgraduate professional training. Dr. Mashud has contributed to the advancement of histopathology education and specialist laboratory training within the West African region through mentorship, academic leadership, and professional service.
Prof. Maj(Rtd) George Awuku Asare, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Chairman
Prof. (Major Rtd) George Awuku Asare is an academic, medical laboratory scientist, and military veteran who serves as an Associate Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Ghana School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (SBAHS). He balances his roles in public higher education with leadership in the private tertiary sector, serving as the Chairman of the Governing Council for Klintaps University College of Health and Allied Sciences (KCoHAS).
Prof Helen O. Ogefere, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Chairman
Prof. Helen O. Ogefere is a distinguished Professor of Microbiology and an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in medical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics. She is affiliated with the University of Benin, Nigeria. Prof. Ogefere has contributed significantly to postgraduate training, research, and professional development in laboratory medicine across West Africa.
Dr Ignatius Awinibuno, Mls.D,PhD, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Chairman
Dr. Ignatius Abowini Awinibuno is a Biomedical Scientist and health policy professional with extensive experience in medical laboratory science, health systems management, and allied health administration. His career spans clinical practice, education, research, and leadership within Ghana’s health sector. He has served in senior technical and managerial roles, contributing to laboratory quality improvement, clinical governance, and the development of policies supporting allied health services.
Prof Oluwatayo Beatrice, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Chairman
Prof. Beatrice Olatundun Oluwatayo is a leading Nigerian academic, medical laboratory scientist, and professor of Human Physiology. She currently serves as the Deputy Provost (Academics) at the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology (FCVMLT), Vom, and is a visiting professor and Associate Dean at Madonna University, Nigeria.
Chapter Chairs
National leaders who coordinate College activities within their respective countries.
Prof Samuel Essien-Baidoo, Ph.D, FWAPCMLS, LLM
Chairman (Ghana)
Prof. Samuel Essien-Baidoo is an Associate Professor in Laboratory Medicine and a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, with a background in Health Law and Ethics. His research focuses on examining the complex interplay between natural and artificial factors that contribute to adverse health outcomes, particularly in the context of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Administratively, he has a wealth of experience. Serving as the founding Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and held many other positions at my university. He is greatly committed to community service and volunteer work. He has actively engaged in various initiatives, including livelihood empowerment, environmental sanitation, waste management, and efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence and promote reproductive health by mentoring and guiding student volunteers.
Prof Musa Muhibi, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Chapter Chair
Professor Musa Abidemi Muhibi is a renowned Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science whose contributions to medical laboratory science, healthcare development, research, and academic leadership continue to impact Nigeria, West Africa, and the global scientific community. Professor Muhibi obtained his PhD in Haematology after earlier earning a Master’s degree in Haematology and Blood Group Serology, alongside other professional qualifications that established him as one of the leading voices in Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science. Over the years, he has served in several strategic academic and professional capacities, including Professor of Haematology at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, former Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Edo State University, Uzairue, and Visiting Professor at the University of Abuja. A respected curriculum developer and training facilitator, Professor Muhibi has contributed immensely to the development of medical laboratory science and postgraduate programmes across several Nigerian universities. His expertise has also been sought by international and national organizations, including the US-CDC, APIN, and the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science. An exceptional researcher and mentor, Professor Muhibi has supervised numerous undergraduate, master’s, M.Phil., and PhD candidates while publishing extensively in reputable local and international journals. His scholarly works span haematology, blood transfusion science, infectious diseases, immunology, public health, genomics, and laboratory quality systems. He has published more than 120 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. Beyond academia, he has consistently championed ethical laboratory practice, blood safety advocacy, mentorship of young scientists, and the integration of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, into healthcare research and education. His leadership, humility, and commitment to national development continue to inspire students, colleagues, researchers, and healthcare professionals across diverse disciplines. Professor Muhibi is a Fellow of several prestigious professional bodies and currently serves as the Nigeria Chapter Chairman of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science. His outstanding contributions have earned him numerous awards, recognitions, and invitations as keynote speaker at major scientific conferences.
Learn about how the College is governed
Explore the governance structure, constitution, and strategic plan of WAPCMLS.