The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy has urged stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to advance pharmaceutical innovation and accelerate national development.
Speaking at the Academy’s 2025 Investiture and Public Lecture in Lagos, Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of the Governing Council, stressed the importance of self-reliance in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing to strengthen Nigeria’s health security.
“We need to reduce dependence. We must be independent. Pharmaceutical innovation is not just science; it is governance, business, and above all, nation building,” Baale said.
Themed ‘Pharmaceutical Innovation and Nation Building’, the event brought together pharmacists, academics, regulators, and policymakers to explore strategies for transforming Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. Baale reflected on challenges in marketing pharmaceutical products locally and highlighted lessons from countries like India and Rwanda.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyemi, Director-General of NAFDAC, noted that regulatory reforms are improving the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured medicines. Under her leadership, Nigeria now has two WHO-prequalified medicine manufacturers and the first WHO-prequalified medical device company. She highlighted partnerships between universities and the private sector to boost research and innovation.
Delivering the keynote, Mr. Wale Oyedeji, Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings, emphasized that innovation and collaboration are key to repositioning Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. He called for increased investment in research and development, pointing to India’s model of leveraging local resources to transform its healthcare system.
The event also honoured the late Pharm. Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe, a pioneer in modern pharmacy education in Nigeria, and inducted 14 new Fellows. Six professionals received honorary recognition for their contributions to health, research, and pharmaceutical practice.
Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award included Chief Theophilous Adebowale Omotosho, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Pharm. Stella Okoli, and Prof. Gabriel Osuide, while other honorary fellows were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the pharmaceutical profession and national development.
Baale concluded that the newly inducted Fellows are expected to uphold professionalism and contribute to building a stronger healthcare system in Nigeria.
