Internal Management Commitee Details

Director/CEO, ICOH for Africa

Olaniyi Olufemi Taiwo, PhD

Dr. Olaniyi Olufemi Taiwo is the esteemed Director/CEO of the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa (ICOH). With a distinguished career in public health, clinical research, and dental surgery, he brings over two decades of extensive experience and expertise to his role.
Dr. Taiwo holds a PhD in Public Health from Walden University, an MSc in Clinical Research from the University of Liverpool, and a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Lagos. He is also a certified professional in Medical Genetics & Genomics, Bioethics, and Information Technology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Taiwo has made significant contributions to the fields of dental research, public health, and epidemiology. He has served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Ethics in Dental Research Committee, President of the IADR Nigeria Division, and Chairman of the Nigeria Dental Association (Plateau State Branch).
In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Taiwo has been actively involved in academic services and training programs. He has been a nodal officer for oral health care training for primary health care workers, a training officer for resident doctors, and a resource person for ICOH training programs in epidemiology, research methodology, and research ethics.
Dr. Taiwo has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with research interests spanning HIV-related oral lesions, dental trauma, epidemiological surveys, and health policy. His work has earned him several awards, including the IADR Lois Cohen International Travel Award and multiple research grants for his contributions to oral health and public health research.
As Director/CEO of ICOH, Dr. Taiwo is committed to ensuring that the organization excels under his leadership. His vision includes advancing oral health research, fostering community health initiatives, and promoting the highest ethical standards in clinical research. He is dedicated to building a collaborative and innovative environment that supports the strategic growth and success of ICOH.
Dr. Taiwo's leadership and vision continue to drive the center towards achieving its mission of improving oral health outcomes across Africa. His commitment to excellence, integrity, and professional development ensures that ICOH remains a leader in oral health research and public health initiatives.

Deputy Director

Dr Chukwu Gabriel

Dr. Gabriel A. Chukwu is a distinguished dental professional with nearly three decades of experience in clinical dentistry. As the Deputy Director designate, he brings exceptional leadership and expertise to advance the centre's mission of excellence in oral healthcare.

During his tenure as Head of Clinical Services at ICOH, Dr. Chukwu demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing clinical protocols, managing patient care systems, and implementing comprehensive staff training programs. His innovative initiatives have significantly enhanced oral healthcare delivery services, setting new standards for quality and patient care.

A graduate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.Ch.D), Dr. Chukwu has further distinguished himself as a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI). His commitment to advancing dental science is evident through his several publications in peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable insights to the field of dentistry.

With his extensive clinical experience, academic contributions, and strategic vision, Dr. Chukwu is committed to contributing his expertise towards advancing the centre's excellence in oral healthcare delivery, research, and professional development.

HOD, Clinical Services

Dr. Basil Tochukwu Ojukwu

Dr. Basil Tochukwu Ojukwu brings over 16 years of experience in oral healthcare and management to his role as Head of Clinical Services at the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa (ICOH). In this capacity, he oversees patient oral healthcare needs, clinical management protocols, research, training, and demonstrations. He also coordinates oral health clinical postings and SIWESS training.
Dr. Basil has led numerous outreach programs to Internally Displaced Persons in various Local Government Areas in Plateau State. He has initiated activities to improve patient treatment outcomes and conducted staff training on Drug Revolving Fund, SERVICOM, and Cancrum Oris (Noma). With sixteen publications in peer-reviewed journals and numerous abstracts presented at both local and international conferences, his contributions to the field are well-recognized.
Dr. Basil holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, and is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Family Dentistry. He also possesses a Master’s in Health Economics and an MSc in Public Health from Bayero University, Kano State. Additionally, he has earned a Leadership and Management in Health Certificate from the University of Washington, U.S.A., and a Biomedical Ethics Certificate from the National Health Research Ethics Committee, Nigeria.
Dr. Basil is committed to advancing oral healthcare in Africa through innovative clinical practices and community engagement.

HOD, Admin, HR and Supplies

Mr Hussaini Mohammed Anani

Mr. Hussaini Mohammed Anani is the Head of Admin, HR & Supplies at the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa (ICOH). With over two decades of extensive experience in the federal civil service, Mr. Anani is a consummate professional dedicated to delivering exceptional administrative and human resource services.
Mr. Anani holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University Kano. He began his career in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where he learned the fundamentals of federal civil service.
Mr. Anani has served in various capacities across multiple ministries and government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Federal Ministry of Health. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative skills, earning special commendations from high-ranking officials, including the then President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR.
Mr. Anani has been actively involved in numerous government committees and has played a pivotal role in significant national projects, such as the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. His commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in numerous professional trainings, workshops, and retreats in various fields, including human resources, policy formulation, and quality assurance.
A member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Institute of Corporate Administrators of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Anani continues to apply his expertise to foster a productive and efficient administrative environment at ICOH.

HOD, Accounts and Finance

Mr Olusanu Elijah Dare

Olusanu Elijah Dare is the Head of Finance & Accounts at the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa (ICOH). A Certified National Accountant (CNA), he brings over a decade of robust experience in financial management, tax preparation, auditing, and government revenue oversight.
Mr. Dare excels in financial reporting and analysis, adeptly preparing and analyzing financial statements, managing general ledger activities, and ensuring tax compliance. His expertise in accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and financial forecasting has enhanced the financial stability and operational efficiency of various organizations.
He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Abuja and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. Additionally, he is certified by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).
Proficient in software such as QuickBooks and Sage, Mr. Dare is recognized for his analytical skills and leadership abilities, with a commitment to integrity and professionalism evident throughout his career, which spans both the private and public sectors. He has also participated in numerous training programs, both within Nigeria and internationally.

Acting HOD, Basic Science and Research

Mrs Arit E. Umoh

Ms. Arit E. Umoh is an accomplished oral healthcare professional at the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH) for Africa. With over 20 years of professional experience in dental therapy, social work, and research, she has dedicated her career to advancing oral health knowledge and improving community well-being.
Ms. Umoh holds an HND in Dental Technology and Therapy, and a Bachelor of Science degree obtained in 2012. She has an impressive research portfolio, with several publications contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. In addition, she has attended and presented papers at several International Association for Dental Research (IADR) conferences, solidifying her presence in the global oral health research community.
Ms. Umoh has also gained valuable experience from participation in training workshops in relevant fields, including those organized by the Bioethics Society of Nigeria in collaboration with the National Health Research Ethics Committee.
As the Acting Head of the Basic Science and Research Department, Ms. Umoh leads initiatives to deepen understanding and foster innovations in the field of oral health. Her commitment to improving oral health outcomes is driven by a desire to understand the determinants of oral health and to ensure that more individuals benefit from comprehensive and effective oral care services.

HOD, Public Health

Dr Ukachi Chiwendu Nnawuihe

Dr. Ukachi Chiwendu Nnawuihe is a distinguished dental professional and Principal Research Fellow at the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa, Jos. With a robust educational background and a commitment to advancing oral health, Dr. Nnawuihe has made significant contributions to the field of Community Dentistry.
Following his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at the University of Benin, graduating in 2008, and his National Youth Service at the State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo, Taraba State, where he was the Coordinator of the NYSC Health-Care Community Development Service and the Anglican Corpers’ Fellowship, Dr. Nnawuihe joined the Plateau State Hospital Management at the Government Dental Centre in Jos. He later returned to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for specialist training in Community Dentistry under the West African College of Surgeons. During this period, he also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2016 and became a Fellow of the Faculty of Dentistry, West African College of Surgeons in 2018.
Dr. Nnawuihe's career includes significant roles such as the first Coordinator of the Department of Preventive Dentistry and the first Head of Department at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex in Ondo. He joined the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa in 2021 as a Principal Research Fellow.
As a dedicated researcher, Dr. Nnawuihe has attended and presented at numerous scientific conferences and is involved in various local and national research projects. He is also an author and reviewer for several professional journals and publications.
Dr. Nnawuihe holds a BDS and MBA from the University of Benin, a Fellowship in Community Dentistry from the West African College of Surgeons, and certificates in Global Health Project Management and Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, USA.
He is an active member of several professional associations, including the World Dental Federation, Commonwealth Dental Association, Nigerian Dental Association (where he serves as Secretary General), Nigerian Medical Association, Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, Association of Dental Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, International Noma Network, Oral Health Initiative, Centre for Population Studies at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research in Yaba, Lagos, and the Afrozone Mentorship Programme. He has served in various capacities within these associations and continues to contribute to the advancement of dental health in Africa.
Dr. Nnawuihe's commitment to advancing oral healthcare through innovative practices and community engagement makes him a valuable asset to the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa.

HOD, Library and Information Service

Mr Makji Dajwal

Makji Godfrey Dajwal, (Head, ICOH-LIS Department), is a practicing Librarian and media specialist of over a decade and half. He attended the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Agriculture, Makurdi and also the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Taramani, Chennai (India), where he bagged different academic degrees, among others. As a flagship professional philosophy, Makji embraces the Open Access model/framework to be an important pathway in redesigning the scholarly communications map towards according better advantages to the global south countries, especially Africa.
As Head of the ICOH-LIS Department, Mr. Dajwal is firmly committed to using professional procedures, standards and other viable networks to making the Department more effectively and efficiently serve its internal and external stakeholders, thereby achieving the overall mandates of the Centre.