Academy Calls for Joint Efforts to Boost Pharmaceutical Innovation

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance pharmaceutical innovation and promote national growth.

In a statement issued after its 2025 Investiture and Public Lecture held in Lagos, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Lere Baale, highlighted the importance of unity in strengthening research, local manufacturing, and health security.

“We must strive for self-reliance. Pharmaceutical innovation is not just about science — it encompasses governance, business, and, most importantly, nation building,” Baale said.

The event, themed “Pharmaceutical Innovation and Nation Building,” brought together professionals from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to discuss how innovation can transform Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that ongoing regulatory reforms are improving the quality and competitiveness of locally produced medicines. She revealed that Nigeria now has two WHO-prequalified medicine manufacturers and one WHO-prequalified medical device company, crediting collaboration with universities such as the University of Lagos and the Federal University of Technology, Minna for driving innovation and research.

Delivering the keynote address, Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings, Mr. Wale Oyedeji, underscored that innovation and collaboration are key to repositioning Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. “We must invest more in research and development. India looked inward and became the world’s pharmacy — Nigeria can do the same,” he said.

The event also featured a valedictory session honouring the late Pharm. (Chief) Oludolapo Akinkugbe, celebrated as a pioneer of modern pharmacy education in Nigeria.

A total of 14 new Fellows were inducted, while six distinguished professionals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to healthcare, research, and the pharmaceutical sector.

Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award included Chief Theophilous Adebowale Omotosho, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Pharm. (Dr.) Stella Okoli, and Prof. Gabriel Osuide.
Honorary Fellowship Awards were also presented to Pharm. Elder Ebenezer Adeleke, Alhaji Sayyid Atana, Dr. Obiora Chukwuka, Pharm. Sir Alfred Osinoiki, Alhaji Auwalu Rano, and Chief Varkey Verghese (MFR) for their exceptional contributions to national development and the growth of the pharmaceutical profession.