Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has appointed Mr. Olakunle Ajayi as the Senior Program Coordinator for Nigeria.
Mr Ajayi’s appointment takes effect from Monday, December 9, 20109.
In the new role, Mr Ajayi will oversee grant management for a variety of projects across the foundation’s key thematic areas in Nigeria, contributing to the foundation’s Africa Team and Global Development Division.
The Guardian reports that Mr. Ajayi, who holds a BSc in Statistics from the University of Ilorin, has over 10 years of experience in health economics, focusing on the use of data to improve healthcare outcomes and health systems strengthening.
Ajayi also holds advanced degrees in Health Economics and Development Studies from Bayero University; an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and is recognised as an Associate Chartered Economist by the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN).
Prior to joining the Gates Foundation, Mr. Ajayi was the Health Portfolio Manager (Grants & Contracts) at eHealth Africa, where he led grants management for programs funded by various donors, including the Gates Foundation, United Nations Foundation, and World Food Program.
His career also includes significant roles at Society for Family Health and Family Health International (Fhi360), where he enhanced the implementation of large-scale healthcare programs, notably under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
In 2015, Mr. Ajayi was awarded the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders by the U.S. Department of State, recognising his expertise in grant management and econometric modelling of complex healthcare development programs.
