The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) deeply mourns the passing of its esteemed Board Director, Ms. Josephine Tapgun, who departed on November 3, 2024.
Hon. Tapgun was appointed to the IHVN Board in 2012, where she made invaluable contributions to the Institute’s growth and success. With her extensive experience as the former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, alongside over 20 years of service in the public sector, Hon. Tapgun played a pivotal role in the strategic management and governance of the Institute.
IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said that “her unwavering commitment to public health has left a lasting impact on IHVN, and she will be profoundly missed by the board and all who had the privilege of working with her. The Institute extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” he said.
Before her passing at 64 years, Josephine Tapgun made a tremendous impact through her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building. She served in various key capacities, including as an Assistant Director in both the Ministries of Power and Youth Development. Additionally, Ms. Tapgun was an Assistant Chief Consulting Officer for the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations (NCIR), where she was responsible for monitoring activities and resolving conflicts between different tiers of government.
Ms. Tapgun was a highly respected expert in her field of psychology. She earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Jos in 1989, following her earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. Her extensive academic background and professional experience positively influenced the various institutions she served.