Who We Are
Discover the identity, mission, and structure of COMS-A.
Our Story
The Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A) emerged as a bold, continent-wide initiative on March 25, 2025, during the Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Born from a shared urgency among African medical education leaders, COMS-A represents a unified, African-led response to the persistent and critical challenges facing medical education across the continent. Recognizing that collective action amplifies impact and that quality medical education is foundational to stronger healthcare systems, these leaders forged a powerful alliance.
The fundamental purpose of COMS-A is to cultivate collaboration, streamline resource-sharing, and promote the exchange of best practices in medical education, research, community accountability, and healthcare delivery. This consortium is deeply committed to developing a socially accountable medical workforce, one that is well-equipped to effectively address the unique health challenges prevalent in African communities. COMS-A’s formation directly reflects the proactive stance of African medical education institutions, establishing a unified platform to elevate educational standards and improve health outcomes through a coordinated and strategic approach.The University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda serves as secretariat of COMS-A, providing a central point for its early operations.
Our Mission
COMS-A is dedicated to fostering excellence in medical education, research, and innovation in Africa while upholding social accountability and ethical practice. Through strategic partnerships and the collective expertise of our members, we seek to strengthen healthcare systems, promote equitable access to quality medical education, and contribute to improved health outcomes across the continent.
Our Vision
COMS-A envisions being the leading representative body for medical schools in Africa, committed to elevating medical education standards, fostering sustainable healthcare research and innovation, and promoting impactful leadership and advocacy. Through our concerted efforts, we strive to ensure equitable access to high-quality medical education and healthcare, ultimately strengthening health systems throughout Africa.
Our Core Values
Standardizing education and qualifications across African regions • Strengthening research capacity and fostering social accountability • Building leadership pipelines for faculty, students, and administrators • Enhancing regional collaboration among institutions • Promoting policy alignment and regulatory reform
These goals are guided by COMSA’s core values
Equity
Collaboration
Sustainability
Integrity
Social accountability
Founding Members & Institutions
| TITLE | NAME | INSTITUTION | TITLE | COUNTRY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. | Avakoudjo Josue Dejinnin Georges | Université d'Abomey Calavi | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | BENIN |
| Prof. | Billy Morara Tsima | University of Botswana | Acting Dean, Faculty of Medicine | BOSTWANA |
| Prof. | Elola Abdoulaye | Université Nazi Boni | Professeur Titulaire Hospitalo | BURKINA FASO |
| Prof. | Banderembako Paul | Université du Burundi | Dean, Faculty of Medicine | BURUNDI |
| Prof. | Foumane Pascal | Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Dean | CAMEROON |
| Prof. | Gloria Enow Ashuntantang | The University of Bamenda | Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences | CAMEROON |
| Prof. | Ngo Um Epse Meka Esther Juliette | The University of Yaounde 1 | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences | CAMEROON |
| Prof. | Halle-Ekane Gregory | University of Buea | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | CAMEROON |
| Prof. | Else Carole Eboumbou Moukoko | University of Douala | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, | CAMEROON |
| Prof. | Choukem Simeon Pierre | University of Dschang | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences | CAMEROON |
| Prof. | Foumsou Lhagadang | Université de N'Djaména | Doyen | CHAD |
| Prof. | Yong Tai Soon | Eswatini Medical Christian University | Dean, Faculty of Medicine | ESWATINI |
| Dr. | Gebre Yemane Gebremariam | Adigrat University, | Dean, College of Medicine and Health Sciences | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Gebrezgabher Gebrehiwot T/Haimanot | Aksum university college of health sciences | Dean, College of Health Sciences | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Erjabo Eyerusalem Beyene | Arbaminch University | Dean, School of Medicine | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Yimer Yalemwork Anteneh | Bahirdar University | Dean of school of Medicine | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Assefa Fentahun Emrie | Debre Berhan University | Academic and Clinical Service Director, School of Medicine | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Tiruneh Bekele Getenet | Debre Markos University | Assistant Professor | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Mengistu Damitie Chanyalew | Debre Tabor University | Chief Executive Director | ETHIOPIA |
| Mr. | Mamo Tizalegn Tesfaye | Dilla University Teaching Hospital | Cheif Executive Director | ETHIOPIA |
| Mrs. | Asemu Meseret Molla | Ethiopian Defence | Academic Dean, College of Health Sciences | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Asnakew Getasew Bayu | Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Science | Director, School of Medicine Academic and Service Directorate | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Bedada Teshome Bacha | Jimma University | Dean, Faculty of Medical Science | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Gebrehiwot, Kibrom Gebreselasie | Mekelle University | Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Ahmedtaha Lina | St Paul's Hospital Millenium Medical College | Dean, School of Medicine and Pharmacy | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Yusuf Ahmed Ali | University of Burao | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Gebremariam Aynishet Adane | University of Gondar | Chief Executive Director, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Specialized Hospital | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Gichamo Lombamo Liranso | Wachemo University | Dean, School of Medicine | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Besir Fikretsion Degemu | Wolkite University | Chief Excutive Director | ETHIOPIA |
| Dr. | Zerefa, Wondwossen Amtataw | Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College | Associate Professor of Surgery | ETHIOPIA |
| Prof. | Kouna Ndouongo Philomene | University of Health Sciences Libreville | Dean, Faculty of Medicine | GABON |
| Prof. | Eliason Sebastian | University of Cape Coast | Dean, School of Medical Sciences | GHANA |
| Prof. | Dei-Adomakoh Yvonne Akotoa | University of Ghana Medical School | Acting Dean, Faculty of Medicine | GHANA |
| Prof. | Bourhaima OUATTARA | Alassane Ouattara University | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | IVORY COAST |
| Prof. | Kouassi Epse M'Bengue Aya Alphonsine | Felix Houphouët-Boigny University | Dean, Medical School of Abidjan | IVORY COAST |
| Dr. | Samson Orondo Obure | Egerton University, Kenya | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | KENYA |
| Prof. | Alice Karimi Mutungi | Kenya Methodist University | Dean, School of Medicine and Pharmacy | KENYA |
| Dr. | Laktabai Jeremiah Kiprop | Moi University | Senior Lecturer | KENYA |
| Dr. | Gathara Juliet Wairimu | Mount Kenya University | Dean Medical School | KENYA |
| Prof. | Atwoli Bendicto Lukoye | The Aga Khan University | Professor and Dean, Medical College | KENYA |
| Prof. | Frederick Otieno | University of Nairobi | Associate Dean, undergraduate studies, Faculty of Health Sciences | KENYA |
| Dr. | Lawrence M. Sherman | University of Liberia | Dean A M Dogliotti School of Medicine and College of Health Sciences | LIBERIA |
| Prof. | Mulwafu Wakisa | Kamuzu University of Health Sciences | Executive Dean | MALAWI |
| Prof. | Jahit Sacarlal | Universidade Eduardo Mondlane | Dean of Medicine Faculty | MOZAMBIQUE |
| Dr. | Lindo Celestino Gavicho | University of Licungo | Director of Faculty of Health Sciences | MOZAMBIQUE |
| Dr. | Christians Felicia | University of Namibia | Associate Dean, School of Medicine | NAMIBIA |
| Prof. | Adamou Harissou | André-Salifou University | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | NIGER |
| Prof. | Adakal Ousseini | Dan Dicko Dankaloudo University | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | NIGER |
| Prof | Zailani, Sambo Bello | Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. | Provost, College of Medical Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof | Hassan Abdulaziz | Ahmadu Bello University | Provost, College of Medical Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Samuel Sunday Olowo | Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Provost, Acting Vice-Chancellor | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Harry, Tubonye Clement | Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, NIGERIA | Provost, College of Medicine | NIGERIA |
| Dr. | Atoe Kenneth | Edo State University Uzairue | Provost, College of Medicine | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Olusegun Sylvester Ojo | Federal University of Technology, Akure | Provost, College of Health Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Mohammed Mohammed Manga | Gombe State University | Provost, College of Medical Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Emmanuel M. Osuagwu | Madonna University Nigeria | Provost, College of Medicine | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Kolawole Babatope Ayodeji | Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Provost, College of Health Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Orluwene Chituru Godwill | Rivers State University | Provost, College of Medical Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Ibekwe, Titus Sunday | University of Abuja | Provost | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Ngim Ngim Ewezu | University of Calabar, Nigeria | Provost, College of Medical Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof | Stephen Tabiri | University of Development Studies | Dean, School of Medicine | NIGERIA |
| Prof | Lawal Taiwo Akeem | University of Ibadan | Dean, College of Medicine | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Alabi Sulyman Biodun | University of Ilorin | Provost, College of Health Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Ademola Ayodele Oremosu | University of Lagos | Provost, College of Medicine | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Adejumo Oluseyi Ademola | University of Medical Sciences | Dean | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Eke Christopher Bismarck | University of Nigeria Nsukka | Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Frank-Briggs Angela Ine | University of Port Harcourt | Provost, College of Health Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Prof. | Saidu Sule Ahmed | Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto Nigeria | Provost College of Health Sciences | NIGERIA |
| Dr. | Kara Neil | Africa Health Sciences | Chief Executive Officer | RWANDA |
| Prof | Abebe Bekele | University of Global Health Equity | Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences | RWANDA |
| Dr. | Zahir Alisiddig Fatah Alrahman Mohamed | University of Medical Sciences and Technology | Dean | RWANDA |
| Dr. | Florent Rutagarama | University of Rwanda-College of Medicine and Health | Dean, School of Medicine and Pharmacy | RWANDA |
| Prof. | Samai Mohamed | University of Sierra Leone | Deputy Vice Chancellor, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences | SIERRA LEONE |
| Dr. | Abdi Abdikarem Abdulahi | SIMAD University | Dean Faculty ,Medicine and Health Sciences | SOMALIA |
| Dr. | Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed | Somali International University | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health sciences | SOMALIA |
| Dr. | Mohamoud Abdulahi Mohamed | Amoud University | Dean School of Medicine | SOMALIA |
| Prof. | Langalibalele Honey Mabuza | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | Acting Dean, School of Medicine | SOUTH AFRICA |
| Prof. | Lionel Green-Thompson | University of Cape Town | Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences | SOUTH AFRICA |
| Prof. | Van Zyl, Gert Jacobus | University of the Free State | Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences | SOUTH AFRICA |
| Dr. | Sube, Kenneth Lado Lino | University of Juba | Dean, School of Medicine | SOUTH SUDAN |
| Prof. | Suliman Hussein Suliman Abdelbagi | Nile university | Dean, College of Health Sciences | SUDAN |
| Dr. | Dika, Haruna Ismail | Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences | Senior Lecturer and Dean, Weill Bugando School of Medicine | TANZANIA |
| Prof. | Naboth Almasi Mbembati | Kairuki University | Dean, Faculty of Medicine | TANZANIA |
| Prof. | Pendo Samwel Mlay | Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College | Dean, Faculty of Medicine | TANZANIA |
| Prof. | Eduard Vakhitov | St. Joseph University College of Health and Allied Sciences | Dean, School of Medicine | TANZANIA |
| Dr. | Mahmoud Salma Abdi | State University of Zanzibar | Dean, School of Health Sciences | TANZANIA |
| Prof. | Gabriel Olabiyi Ogun | University of The Gambia | Provost, School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences | THE GAMBIA |
| Prof. | Kibuule Dan | Busitema University | Dean, School of Medicine | UGANDA |
| Prof. | Mwaka Amos Deogratius | Gulu University | Professor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, | UGANDA |
| Dr. | Okello Maxwell | Kampala International University Western Campus | Dean of Medical School | UGANDA |
| Prof. | Mondo Charles Kiiza | King Ceasor University | Dean, School of Medicine and Health and Life Sciences | UGANDA |
| Prof | Idro Richard Iwa | Makerere University | Deputy Principal,College of Health Sciences | UGANDA |
| Prof. | Joseph Ngonzi | Mbarara University of Technology | Dean, | UGANDA |
| Dr. | Tumusiime Gerald | Uganda Christian University | Dean Uganda Christian University School of Medicine | UGANDA |
| Dr. | Nthele Muzaza Andfine Matambo | Cavendish University Zambia | Assistant Dean | ZAMBIA |
| Dr. | Mulenga David | Copperbelt University | Dean of School of Medicine | ZAMBIA |
| Dr. | Machila Nchmunya | Eden University | Dean, School of Medicine | ZAMBIA |
| Prof. | Siamani Chimuka Brian | Gideon Robert University | Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences | ZAMBIA |
| Dr. | Lweendo Nchimba | Lusaka Apex Medical University | Dean, Faculty of Medicine | ZAMBIA |
| Dr. | Chibasa Muchenelah | Manica University | Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences | ZAMBIA |
| Dr. | Michelo Haluuma Miyoba | Mulungushi University | Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences | ZAMBIA |
| Prof. | Singh Amit Kumar | Texila American University, Lusaka, Zambia | Dean, School of Medicine | ZAMBIA |
| Prof. | Bowa Kasonde Oliver | University of Lusaka | Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Executive Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences | ZAMBIA |
| Prof. | Evans Mwila Mpabalwani | University of Zambia | Dean, School of Medicine | ZAMBIA |
| Dr. | Reginald Blessing Fikreselassie Matchaba-Hove | Midlands State University, Zimbabwe | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | ZIMBABWE |
| Dr. | Makoni Fiona | University of Zimbabwe | Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | ZIMBABWE |
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee (EC) is the governing body of COMS-A, responsible for leading and executing the functions of the Consortium. The EC comprises dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience and leadership from across the African continent. The committee includes the President, Vice-President, Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary General, Treasurer, and the Chairs of the six standing committees. To ensure broad representation, members of the EC are from different countries, and the Standing Committee Chairs represent each of the five African regions.
Meet the dedicated leaders
who guide COMS-A
For any inquiries, please contact us via the Secretariat’s official email address (secretariat@coms-africa.org)
Prof. Lionel Green-Thompson
President, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Prof. Yvonne Dei-Adomakoh
Vice President & Chair, Audit and Compliance Committee, University of Ghana, Ghana
Prof. Abebe Bekele
Secretary General & Chair, Advocacy and Partnerships Committee, University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
Dr. Salma Abdi Mahmoud
Deputy Secretary General, The State University of Zanzibar
Prof. Angela Frank-Briggs
Treasurer & Chair, Finance Committee, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Prof. Lukoye Atwoli
Chair, Leadership & Professional Development Committee, Aga Khan University, Kenya
Prof. Titus Ibekwe
Chair, Research and Innovations Committee, University of Abuja, Nigeria
Prof. Simeon Pierre Choukem
Chair, Education and Curriculum Committee, University of Dschang, Cameroon
Standing Committees
COMS-A’s strategic objectives are advanced through six standing committees:
Finance Committee
Oversees the consortium’s financial strategies, policies, resource allocation, and advises on financial planning and investment. Chaired by the Treasurer.
Audit and Compliance Committee
Ensures adherence to financial and operational policies, oversees audits, and monitors compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements. Chaired by the Vice-President.
Education and Curriculum Committee
Develops and promotes educational programs, fosters collaboration to enhance academic quality, monitors educational effectiveness, and advocates for curriculum, accreditation, workforce development, and standards alignment. Composed of experts in medical education.
Advocacy and Partnerships Committee
Leads efforts to promote COMS-A’s objectives, influence policy, represent the consortium in advocacy, develops communication strategies, and focuses on resource mobilization. Chaired by the Secretary-General.
Leadership and Professional Development Committee
Designs and implements programs to build leadership capacity and provide professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students, promoting mentorship and career development.
Research and Innovations Committee
Fosters collaborative research, supports funding opportunities for research, and develops strategies to advance COMS-A’s research agenda and impact.