Amb.-Godknows-Igali-Advocates-Innovation-and-Research-at NAPhA-23rd-Annual-Scientific-Conference

Amb. Godknows Igali Advocates Innovation and Research at NAPhA 23rd Annual Scientific Conference

By Dave Ikiedei Asei-Port Harcourt  August 22nd, 2025

Published by NIGER DELTA-PROGRESS-REPORTERS 

The Conference and Its Significance

On Tuesday, 19th August 2025, the tranquil city of Port Harcourt became the hub of intellectual discourse as the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPhA) convened its 23rd Annual National Scientific Conference at the University of Port Harcourt. The event drew together an array of professionals—pharmacists, researchers, academics, students, and policymakers—all united by a common purpose: to reimagine the future of pharmacy education, research, and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The choice of Port Harcourt, a city with a vibrant academic and industrial landscape, was deliberate. It symbolized the intersection of knowledge and industry, of theory and practice, of aspiration and implementation. Presiding as the Special Guest of Honour was Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows B. Igali, FHSN, FAIA, FNIM, FHSN—an accomplished diplomat, administrator, and intellectual whose speech would set the tone for a rich dialogue on innovation and national development.

Honouring Academia’s Torchbearers

In his address, Amb. Igali began by paying glowing tribute to the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia for its commitment to scholarship, research, and the professional advancement of pharmacy. According to him, pharmacists in academia play a unique role in shaping the trajectory of the healthcare sector.

“You are the backbone of innovation and the torchbearers of knowledge in our health system,” he declared. “It is within universities and research institutions that groundbreaking ideas are conceived and nurtured into solutions that impact lives.”

His words resonated with the audience, particularly the younger pharmacists and students who filled the hall, eager to hear how their profession could shape the nation’s future.

The Imperative of Research and Development

Amb. Igali emphasized that research and development (R&D) must be treated as a national priority rather than a luxury. He reminded participants that countries with advanced health systems owe their progress to sustained investments in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and innovation.

The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic were still fresh in memory. The inability of many developing countries, including Nigeria, to produce vaccines locally underscored a dangerous dependence on foreign pharmaceutical industries. “Pharmaceutical research is a matter of national survival,” Igali said firmly. “We must empower our institutions to lead in drug discovery, vaccine development, and therapeutic innovation.”

Bridging the Academia–Industry Divide

A recurring theme in Amb. Igali’s speech was the need to strengthen the relationship between academia and industry. While universities produce a wealth of research findings, many remain shelved or underutilized due to weak linkages with industry.

“Research should not end in the laboratory or the pages of journals,” he noted. “We must translate our findings into products and services that save lives and contribute to our economy.”

He called on pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic institutions to work in synergy, stressing that without such partnerships, Nigeria would remain a consumer rather than a producer in the global pharmaceutical chain.

Policy and Regulation: The Missing Link

No pharmaceutical industry can thrive without strong policy support and effective regulatory frameworks. Amb. Igali reminded stakeholders that science alone is not enough—policy must drive science, and science must inform policy.

He urged the government to strengthen agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to create a more enabling environment for innovation. Streamlined processes for drug approvals, robust intellectual property protections, and funding for pharmaceutical research were among the recommendations he advanced.

Lessons from Global Leaders

To illustrate his points, Amb. Igali cited examples from countries such as India, Brazil, and South Korea, which transformed themselves into pharmaceutical powerhouses through deliberate investments in academia–industry collaborations.

“India, once seen as a developing nation, is now the pharmacy of the world,” he explained. “They achieved this by supporting their universities, investing in R&D, and encouraging local production. Nigeria must learn from these examples if we are to secure our health future.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Perhaps the most electrifying part of his speech was his direct message to students and young pharmacists. With passion in his voice, Amb. Igali challenged them to embrace innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

“The pharmacist of the future is not just a dispenser of medicines but an innovator, a researcher, a policymaker, and an entrepreneur,” he said. “You must think globally, even as you address the pressing health needs of Nigeria.”

His challenge underscored the generational responsibility of young academics and professionals to steer Nigeria toward pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

The Atmosphere of Hope and Resolve

Throughout the conference, there was an unmistakable sense of urgency and determination. Presentations from leading scholars highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape. Discussions revolved around issues such as drug safety, curriculum development, indigenous herbal medicine research, and the role of artificial intelligence in drug discovery.

Yet it was Amb. Igali’s keynote that provided the moral compass for the gathering. His speech was not merely an address but a call to action—a reminder that pharmacists in academia hold the keys to transforming healthcare in Nigeria.

Charting the Way Forward

As the conference concluded, several resolutions were adopted. Among them were commitments to strengthen research collaborations, advocate for increased funding, and enhance the interface between universities and the pharmaceutical industry. The role of government as a facilitator and regulator was also emphasized.

Amb. Igali’s presence and words gave added weight to these resolutions, reinforcing the idea that the future of Nigeria’s healthcare lies in harnessing the intellectual power of its academic community.

Conclusion

The 23rd Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia will be remembered not only for its scholarly discussions but also for the inspiring address of Amb. Godknows B. Igali. His words captured the essence of the moment: the urgent need for research, the importance of collaboration, and the power of academia to shape the future.

For Nigeria, the conference reaffirmed a critical truth—that the path to sustainable healthcare and national development lies in empowering pharmacists in academia to innovate, to research, and to lead.