The leadership of the West Africa Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) project, led by its Executive Director, Professor Justin S. Pita, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Timothy Anake, on June 16, 2025. The visit, which took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room, also included a familiar face, Dr. Angela Eni, former WAVE Coordinator at Covenant University.

Welcoming the delegation, the University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Igban, highlighted Covenant University’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of African leaders through its Christian-based philosophy. He noted that the University’s vision continues to resonate powerfully, citing a recent report by Stutern, Nigeria’s renowned hiring platform, which ranked Covenant University graduates as the ‘most employable’ in the country. The institution was recently recognized with an award for this distinction.

Mr. Igban also noted the University’s impressive academic standing, stating that it is currently ranked the best university in Nigeria and West Africa, and sixth in Sub-Saharan Africa by Times Higher Education. This remarkable achievement, he said, has significantly increased the University’s appeal, making it the most sought-after institution in the country. He further commended the contributions of the University's alumni, who are excelling globally and giving back generously to their alma mater.

In his remarks, Professor Justin Pita, expressed delight at returning to Covenant University, recalling his last visit in 2014. Though originally from Côte d’Ivoire, he described himself as ‘partially Nigerian,’ attributing it to his marriage to a Nigerian and his affinity for the country. He praised the University’s serene and impressive environment, stating that it played a significant role in selecting Covenant University as WAVE’s base in Western Nigeria.

Professor Pita, commended the work of Dr. Angela Eni, whose outstanding leadership as the WAVE Coordinator, facilitated the success of the program at Covenant University. He acknowledged the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the parent organization behind WAVE, and expressed hope that the collaboration with the University would continue. While all the paperwork for the new phase of the project is ready, he said he felt it necessary to personally have a one-on-one with the University leadership before proceeding.

Dr. Angela Eni, in her remarks, spoke warmly of her years coordinating the WAVE project at Covenant University. She expressed gratitude to the Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo, for his blessings and counsel upon her departure and emphasized that Covenant University remains a ‘home away from home.’ She appreciated the management’s swift actions in ensuring a smooth transition following her exit.

Dr. Eni highlighted the goals of the WAVE initiative, which focuses on improving the productivity of root and tuber crops such as yam and cassava. The research aims to develop disease-resistant varieties and boost food security across Africa. She mentioned that WAVE’s activities have already spanned multiple Nigerian states and other African countries, with much work still ahead.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, expressed his joy in receiving the WAVE delegation and welcomed Dr. Eni back warmly. He reiterated Covenant University’s commitment to the WAVE mission, noting its alignment with the University’s vision to support food security in Africa. “Root and tuber crops are the staple foods of West Africa,” he said, “and it is our responsibility to ensure that the vision behind WAVE does not die.”

Professor Anake further emphasized that research is a critical pillar of Covenant University’s Vision 7:2030, revealing that the University’s Board of Regents has allocated $1 million to support research initiatives in line with this vision.

He concluded by thanking the WAVE team for their visit and wished them a productive and pleasant stay at the University.