Medical experts at the 2025 Investiture of Fellows of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) have emphasised the need for greater investment in pharmaceutical innovation, research collaboration, and policy reforms to bolster Nigeria’s economic growth and healthcare system.
The event, held under the theme “Pharmaceutical Innovation as a Catalyst for National Development,” highlighted NAPHARM’s commitment to positioning the pharmacy sector as a critical driver of industrial expansion, economic diversification, and healthcare transformation in the country.
Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Academy, noted that the investiture’s date—coinciding with the 102nd anniversary of the Walt Disney Company—symbolises the transformative power of disciplined creativity and innovation.
“Just as Disney turned creativity into a global legacy, our Academy is committed to turning pharmaceutical science into national impact—translating knowledge into innovation, and innovation into wellbeing,” Baale said.
He commended the Transformation Committee led by Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, Director of Programmes Pharm. Dr. Lolo Ojo, and Secretary-General Pharm. Nikon Atsui, describing the investiture as both visionary and well executed.
Baale also paid tribute to the Academy’s founding father, Dr. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, acknowledging his role in establishing a foundation of excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s pharmacy profession.
“The theme reflects our belief that the pharmaceutical sector can serve as a catalyst for national and continental development,” he added. “Through medicine manufacturing, research, and technology-based health solutions, we can drive both economic growth and public health advancement.”
During the ceremony, awards were conferred in three categories: 14 new Distinguished Fellows, four Honorary Fellows, and three Lifetime Achievement Awardees, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the pharmacy profession and Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Those honoured today have made lasting contributions to the profession and to the country,” Baale said. “Recognising them is the least we can do to inspire others and preserve a legacy of excellence.”
Pharm. Dr. Lolo Ojo, Director of Programmes, emphasised that research and development must take centre stage in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical growth and called for stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
“Without research, we’ll keep copying and lagging behind,” she said. “We are beginning to build bridges between academia and industry so that our research adds real value and generates new molecules that expand global knowledge from Nigeria.”
She reaffirmed that NAPHARM continues to serve as a thought leader in pharmaceutical sciences, guiding policy, research, and ethical practice nationwide.
In his keynote address, the guest speaker urged closer collaboration among pharmacists, regulators, academia, and the financial sector to advance biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and digital health in Nigeria.
“Going solo will not help anyone,” he warned. “Medicines must not only be profitable but accessible. No one should die simply because they cannot afford the drugs they need.”
He stressed that government support for research, collaboration with the diaspora, and timely regulatory approvals are crucial to building a resilient pharmaceutical ecosystem. “If we nurture innovation and back great ideas with funding, we can transform our healthcare and industrial sectors,” he added.
The investiture also paid tribute to the late Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe, pioneer industrialist and former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko, PSN President, described Akinkugbe as “a visionary whose integrity and service shaped the very foundation of the profession.”
In closing, Prof. Baale reaffirmed NAPHARM’s mission to uphold knowledge, integrity, and service. “Pharmacy is not just about medicines—it’s about science, ethics, and service to humanity,” he said. “Our duty is to transform pharmaceutical science into a force for wellbeing and national development.”
