Clinical Research: ACRES Summit targets stronger African talent, local capacity

Michael Olamide Alabi

The 2026 edition of the Africa’s Clinical Research Ecosystem Summit (ACRES) will focus on developing African talent, strengthening local research capacity and promoting better representation in clinical trials.

The two-day summit, scheduled for November 27 and 28 in Yaba, Lagos, will bring together students, healthcare professionals, researchers, academic institutions and industry stakeholders under the theme, “Redefining Representation & Talent in African Clinical Trials.”

According to the organisers, the event aims to help students and early-career professionals understand the clinical research ecosystem, explore career opportunities and establish connections with experienced practitioners in healthcare and research.

The convener of ACRES and Managing Director of United Clinical Trials Support Services (UCTSS), Aizehi Onoigboria, said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in clinical research.

“We created this workshop so students could move beyond theory and start thinking in solutions, not just learning what clinical research is, but understanding how it works and where they fit into it,” she said.

A participant at a previous session said the experience broadened her understanding of career opportunities available to graduates in Nigeria.

“My key takeaway from the event is that your BSc is your base, what you do with that BSc, and how you specialise will determine your future,” the participant said.

Speakers expected at this year’s summit include Professor Adesoji Ademuyiwa, Professor of Paediatric Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Dr Ramalan Mansur, Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Internal Medicine; and Dr Toyosi Raheem, Chief Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).

Other speakers are Lisa Ursella Collins, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innomas Clinical Research and a representative of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria; Onoigboria; and Yusuf Babatunde, Growth and Partnerships Manager at YLabs.

The programme will feature interactive sessions, networking opportunities and a group presentation initiative titled “Solutions that Strengthen Clinical Research Capacity in Nigeria.”

Through the initiative, participants will identify gaps in Nigeria’s clinical research ecosystem and develop practical proposals to address the challenges, with a view to strengthening the country’s research capabilities.

The summit is supported by Biospherea, the National Public Health Network, the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, NIMR and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

Other supporting organisations include the Nigerian Association of Microbiology Students, the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, the College of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science Students Association (UNILAG chapter), and Yaba College of Technology.

Registration is open to students, healthcare professionals, researchers and other interested stakeholders through the summit’s registration portal at https://acres.unitedclinicalss.com/register/.