ABOUT IIDRD
Institute of infectious Diseases Research and Development
About Us
The Institute of Infectious Diseases Research and Development (IIDRD) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) was established to address the growing challenge of infectious diseases, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. With Rivers State’s dense population and vibrant socio-economic activities making it susceptible to disease outbreaks, the IIDRD is committed to advancing knowledge, research, and skill acquisition to strengthen infection prevention and control. Guided by the motto “Advancing Knowledge, Protecting Communities,” the institute strives to be a beacon of excellence in understanding, preventing, and controlling infectious diseases for the well-being of humanity in Nigeria. Through cutting-edge research, robust disease surveillance, and innovative healthcare solutions. By equipping healthcare professionals with world-class expertise, IIDRD is poised to drive transformative progress in infectious disease management and public health resilience.
Vision
To be a beacon of excellence in the science of prevention and control of diseases for the well-being of humanity in Nigeria.
Mission
To revolutionize disease control through knowledge, research and skill acquisition for a healthier tomorrow.
Our Courses
IDI 1001 - MASTERING INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL (IPCERT)
The IPCERT course offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying IPC concepts and methodologies within healthcare systems.
IDI 1002 - ISOLATION CARE SERVICES: THE SKILL SET (ICERT)
This ICERT course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patients requiring isolation due to infectious diseases.
IDI 1003 - ADVANCED MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS (ADCERT)
The ADCERT course aims to provide infectious disease professionals with expanded knowledge and skills in the diagnosis, laboratory management and surveillance of infectious diseases and other diseases of public health importance.
IDI 1004 – DATA MANAGEMENT IN DISEASE CONTROL (DATCERT)
The DATCERT course is designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in data management for disease control and prevention.
IDI 1005 – LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT IN HEALTHCARE (LAMHCERT)
The LAMHCERT course is designed to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to lead and manage healthcare organizations effectively.
IDI 1006 - EPIDEMIOLOGY & DISEASE CONTROL: DISEASE DETECTIVE (DICERT)
The DICERT course is a comprehensive program designed to equip healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, and researchers with foundational knowledge and practical skills in understanding, preventing, and managing the spread of diseases within populations.
IDI 1007 – HIV, TREATMENT, CARE & SUPPORT: CARE CHAMPIONS (HIPCERT)
The HIPCERT course emphasizes a holistic approach to HIV management, encompassing clinical care, psychosocial support, and community engagement.
IDI 1008 – ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN HEALTHCARE: SMARTER SERVICES (AIHCERT)
The AIHCERT course aims to equip healthcare professionals and researchers with a deep understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to improve healthcare delivery, diagnosis, and patient outcomes.
IDI 1009 – ISOLATION NURSING: FRONTLINE CARE (IN-CERT)
The IN-CERT course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of isolation nursing principles, including standard and transmission-based precautions, patient placement, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
IDI 1010 – LABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE (LQS - DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY) (LAQCERT)
The LAQCERT course provides an in-depth understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) as applied in laboratory settings.
IDI 1011 - PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: READY FOR RESEARCH (PRMCERT)
The PRMCERT course will equip healthcare professionals with basic understanding and skills of applying a systematic approach in conducting research that contribute meaningfully to existing knowledge while maintaining scientific rigour and ethical standards.
IDI 1012 – RISK COMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (RICERT)
The RICERT course aims to equip healthcare professionals and researchers with; basic knowledge and understanding of public health principles during public health emergency crises.
IDI 1013 – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: ECOHEALTH PRO (EIACERT)
The EIACERT course will teach participants the laws guiding environmental health assessment studies in Nigeria and the procedures for carrying out the studies to satisfy the requirements of the various regulators in Nigeria.
IDI 1014 – MEDICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (CEO): SETTING UP PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTICE (PMPCERT)
The PMPCERT course equips healthcare professionals with the business acumen, strategic frameworks, and practical tools needed to launch and lead a successful private medical practice.
IDI 1015 – IMMUNIZATION EXPERTISE: VACCINE CHAMPION (IZECERT)
The IZECERT course empowers healthcare professionals, public health workers, and immunisation advocates with the essential knowledge and advocacy skills to become Vaccine Champions.
Who Should Attend
Our programmes are designed for a broad range of professionals and aspiring experts seeking to build capacity or transition into the infectious disease and public health research space.
Healthcare Professionals
Graduates in Life Sciences
Public Health Practitioners
International Applicants
Policy Makers
and Health Administrators
Laboratory Technologists and Field Epidemiologists
Researchers and Academicians
Eligibility Criteria
✅ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be admitted into any IIDRD programme, applicants must have education or work experience in Science and Health related fields. These includes: Doctors, Nurses, and other Healthcare Workers interested in courses within the Health Sector.
NOTE:
- The courses are offered onsite (Physical).
⏱️ PROGRAMME DURATION
Each certificate course runs for 3 weeks (30 credit hours) structured as follows:
- Executive Sessions: 2 hours of physical lectures daily
- Module Composition: 10–15 topics per CERT module
- Week 1: Didactic lectures
- Week 2: Hands-on training (practicals, drills, facility tours)
- Week 3: Capstone project, report writing, and final evaluation
🕒 LECTURE TIMING (COHORTS)
IIDRD courses are organized into two flexible cohort schedules to accommodate working professionals:
- Cohort I (Morning): 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Cohort II (Evening): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📌 NOTE:
- Students must select and commit to one cohort throughout the course.
Methodology
IIDRD uses a structured, hands-on learning model:
Week 1
- Orientation on use of tech platforms and tools
- Introduction to the IIDRD learning model
- Pre-test assessments
- Faculty-led teaching (2 hours daily)
Week 2
- Interactive training modules distributed
- Skill acquisition via simulations, drills, lab tours
- Individual and group assignments
Week 3
- Final report writing
- Capstone project presentation
- Final examination
Outcome and Certification
Upon successful completion of each course, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement, based on:
- Participation in assignments and simulations
- Completion of capstone project
- Final examination performance
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Follow these steps to begin your journey at IIDRD:
- Visit the RSUTH Portal:
Go to Education -> IIDRD - “Courses”:
View IIDRD Courses and Click Apply. - Click on ‘Take a Course’ and complete the IIDRD Admission Form:
Choose your desired IIDRD course from the list and fill in the other required details. - Pay the Application Fee (₦15,000):
Make payment securely online using debit card or bank transfer and submit your application.
APPLICATION FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE. - Complete Admission Process:
To complete your admission process, visit the IIDRD Office with your IIDRD Application Slip and pay the Course fee (₦135,000).
📢 ADMISSION TIMELINE
- Application Opens: August 1, 2025
- Deadline for Applications: September 28, 2025
- Interviews/Screening: October 1-3, 2025.
- Session Begins: October 6, 2025
📍 CONTACT INFORMATION
Institute Office Institute of Infectious Disease Research and Development (IIDRD) Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Phone: (+234)8032773870; 08066992304
Email: iidrd@rsuth.ng
Website: www.rsuth.ng/iidrd
Meet Our Faculties
Our programmes are designed for a broad range of professionals and aspiring experts seeking to build capacity or transition into the infectious disease and public health research space.
Eze (Dr) Golden Owhonda
MBBS, FWACP (Nig), FRSPH (UK)
Director, Institute of Infectious Disease Research and Development (IIDRD)
Associate Professor of Public Medicine, Rivers State University
Honorary Consultant, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Email: golden.owhonda@ust.edu.ng
Prof. Ibinabo L. Oboro
MBBS, MPH, FMCPath, DipRCPath (UK)
Professor of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology and Associate Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at Rivers State University(RSU).
Honorary Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH)
Dr. Alali Dan-Jumbo
MBBS, FWACP
Associate professor of Family Medicine and Deputy Provost of the College of Medical Sciences at Rivers State University (RSU).
Consultant Family Physician at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Dr. Anwuri Luke
MBBS, MPH, PhD, FWACP
Registrar, Institute of Infectious Disease Research and Development.
Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Community Medicine, Rivers State University.
Honorary Consultant, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Dr Mary Adanma Alex-Wele
MBBS, FMCPath, DiplPC
Senior Lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.
Head, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, and the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) & Infection Prevention and Control Programme Focal Person at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Consultant Clinical Microbiologist with specialization in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).
Dr. John Nwolim Paul
FAPH, MASN, MSECAN
Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of Department, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University.
Dr. Ifeoma C. Nwadiuto
MBBS, MPH, FMCPH
Public Health Physician and Senior Lecturer at Rivers State University
Manager, Epidemiologist and Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Rivers State
Dr Victoria Eno Gomba
MBBS, FWACP
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Internal Medicine at Rivers State University
Consultant Physician, Endocrinologist, and Head of the Infectious Disease Unit at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Dr Ogbonda Priscilia
MBBS, M.Sc, Ph.D, FISPON, FSGI
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Public Health Sciences, Rivers State University.
Leads the Occupational Health, Safety & Environment unit at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
DR CHISOR-WABALI NKASIOBI
MBBS, DA, FWACS
A consultant Anaesthesiologist and Head of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital(RSUTH).
A Lecturer at the College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University.
Member of the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control team and the International Critical Care Society of Nigeria.
Dr Gborieneomie Mac-Fiberesima
BMLS, MSc, MPH, PhD, FIMC
Deputy Director and Quality Manager in Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology UPTH.
Tuberculosis Diagnostic Consultant.
Public Health Researcher in Peer reviewed local and international journals.
Laboratory Assessor and Trainer of Trainers in AMR Stewardship/TB diagnosis.
Facility Lead and KNCV Adhoc Staff for 2024 National Drug Resistant TB Survey.
Nrs. Mary O. Okuku
MPHN, MSc GHID (Edinburgh), BSc (Hons) (Buckinghamshire), PGDE, Dip. Research Ethics, FPP, RNE, RM, RN
Assistant Director of Nursing and Lecturer at Rivers State University.
Dr Aloni Alali
MBBS, MPH, PhD, MWACP
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine at Rivers State University
Consultant Public Health Physician and Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Unit at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Rivers State Chapter.
Dr Austin-Asomeji Iyingiala
MBBS, M.Sc, PhD, MWACP
Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine at Rivers State University
Senior Resident Doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Dr Aaron-Wali Ihuoma
MBBS, M.Sc, MWACP
Senior Resident Doctor at the Rivers state university teaching hospital (RSUTH)
Ebenezer N. Osuigbo
B.Tech (India), M.Sc, MNCS, MCPN, MIAENG
Senior Program Analyst at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Head of Information and Communication Technology Unit, RSUTH.
AI Engineer and Data Scientist focused on Computational Medicine and transformative Digital Health Innovation.
Secretary, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Rivers State Chapter.
Nwondah Chigozie
B.Sc., MSc.PH, Ph.D, AEIAN
Senior Scientific Officer at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Public Health practitioner with special interest in data analytics, research method and environmental health assessment.
Kpaluku Chukwuka A.
B.MLS, PGD, M.Sc, AMLSCN
Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist, College of Medical Science, Rivers state University.
Lead Scientist in charge of the molecular laboratory at Rivers state university teaching hospital (RSUTH),
University.