Michael is the Nigeria COUNTDOWN Research Uptake Officer. He trained as a zoologist at the University of Jos, Nigeria, and later completed a Master’s degree in Applied Entomology and Parasitology at the same University. This specialization brought him into research and a quest for ethics that led him into a career in bioethics and completing a Master’s degree in Bioethics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
He is a Programme Officer at the National Onchocerciasis/Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme of the NTDs Division, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria.
He is a member of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC). Michael worked with the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) in the evaluation of sustainable of projects, epidemiological and entomological evaluations. He was a member of the Onchocerciasis Entomology Working Group of APOC. He also assisted in the development of documentary for onchocerciasis Mass Drug Administration activities in Nigeria for APOC.
His other positions included UNICEF focal person for Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme; Desk Officer-Leishmaniasis and Mycetoma Elimination Programme; Entomology and Cytotaxonomy Desk Officer; Epidemiological evaluation desk officer; Research Desk Officer and Advisor on Bioethics matters; M&E Officer of DFID funded UNITED CONSORTIUM project in Nigeria.
Igbe conducted several studies among which a study to assess public knowledge and willingness to participate in biobanking research in Nigeria has afforded him the opportunity to travel widely being the first of such a study in Africa.
He is currently working on a PhD in Parasitology and Entomology.