Pharmacy academy advocates stronger researcher-policy collaboration

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy has called for closer collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry players to strengthen pharmaceutical innovation and accelerate national development.

Speaking during the Academy’s 2025 Investiture and Public Lecture in Lagos, its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Lere Baale, said the nation must prioritise self-reliance in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing to safeguard its health security.

“We need to reduce dependence. We must be independent. Many elites, many of the people – we must be brave enough to help the country,” Baale said. “Pharmaceutical innovation is not just science; it is governance, business, and above all, nation building.”

The event, themed ‘Pharmaceutical Innovation and Nation Building’, brought together pharmacists, academics, regulators, and policymakers to explore strategies for transforming Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

Baale, who also serves as President of the Nigerian School of Pharmacy and CU Business School in the Netherlands, reflected on the challenges of marketing pharmaceutical products in Nigeria and the lessons learnt from other countries.

“When the goods came into Nigeria, I found myself going to places like Ajegunlé, trying to sell the products. Now I know better,” he said. “Around the world, things are changing. India is a pharmacy to the world, and Rwanda is building its own. Nigeria must change, too.”

Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyemi, stated that the ongoing regulatory reform is enhancing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured medicines.

“Under our leadership, Nigeria now has two WHO-prequalified medicine manufacturers and the first WHO-prequalified medical device company,” Adeyeye said.

“Without academia, we cannot do research and development. Our staff now earn master’s and PhD degrees while serving full-time; that’s part of nation building.”