Since its establishment in 1962, the Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife and now fondly referred to as OAU), has carved a niche for itself as a foremost institution in Nigeria. OAU has lived up to the purpose for which it was established towards the pursuit of excellence in knowledge through learning and research. Today, the university boasts of world-class products, who are indeed excellent in skills and character.
As a matter of fact, the excellence and greatness of OAU products reflect the vigorous mission that came with her creation sixty years ago, viz “to develop the human mind to be creative, innovative, competent in areas of specialization, knowledgeable in entrepreneurship and dedicated to service.”
With its record as a legacy of academic excellence, the Great Ife has been acclaimed publicly as “the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride.” Also, it is a Centre for Academic Research and Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, having linkages with the world of commerce and industry in the country. More importantly, the Great Ife’s Faculty of Pharmacy through its high quality research and teaching has trained over 4,000 pharmacists, who are globally engaged in different sectors of pharmacy and allied professionals.
Thus, it is worthy of mention that commitment to professionalism, best practices, and ethical conduct of business transactions by these distinguished individuals have made them first among equals. Indeed, the exemplary leadership qualities, mentorship and pragmatic tendencies being continually exhibited by not a few members of the Association affirmed the leading position of the Great ife in the country.
In this Special Focus, The Guardian showcases some of these great alumni including: Pharm. Joke Bakare, FPSN, Managing Director/CEO, Medplus Pharmaceutical Limited; Pharm. Ekundayo Olakunle, FPSN, Founder/Group Managing Director, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited; and Pharm. Chris Ehimen, Managing Director/CEO, Nett Pharmacy Limited
Why GIPAA’s deploying global network, galvanizing members, attracting scholars, mobilizing grants for research, by Asuni
Lekan Asuni, FPSN; FNAPharm, is an innovative corporate leader with over three decades of experience in strategic leadership roles and diverse geographic exposure in Africa, Asia, and Europe, he sits on the board of several companies both for profit and non-profit. His core areas of practice include and are not limited to; general management, corporate finance, corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions, manufacturing, risk management, and compliance, government affairs, business expansion, operational and project management, intellectual property protection, and public health.
With a strong background in developing and executing future-proven strategic plans and their successful execution to deliver value to stakeholders, he is well skilled in financial management, team development, developing partnerships, and developing operational plans to meet strategic objectives with proven track record of success leading and growing organisations. He is an astute professional with a penchant for identifying opportunities and implementing practical business strategies with commitment to staying informed about latest trends, technologies and best practices.
Passionate about turning innovative ideas into tangible results and has a track record of multiple successful ventures as well as leading teams of professionals to deliver results, he is a possesses-proven people leader, motivates and optimises staff performance and productivity. He is collaborative in working closely with strategic stakeholders and teams.
He is currently Group Managing Director at Lefas Group – Consultancy Services and Commercial Operations, based in Nigeria. In addition, he is a Co-Founder of Colexa Biosensor Nigeria Limited, pioneer manufacturer of Blood Glucose Monitoring Strips and Meters in Sub Saharan Africa.
Before this, he was Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Nigeria/Anglophone West Africa. During this period, he also served as a Board Director of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc He is the Global Chairman of the Great Ife’ Pharmacy Alumni Association (GIPAA).
While giving am insight into the sixtieth anniversary celebration of GPAA, he noted that “As we are all aware, The Great Ife Faculty of Pharmacy through its high quality of research and teaching has trained close to 4,o00 pharmacists who are globally engaged in different sectors of pharmacy and allied professions.
The Faculty of Pharmacy was first established as a Department in the former Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Ibadan Branch, in 1957. When the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) was established in 1962, it remained a Department within the Faculty of Science. It, however, continued to award Diploma in Pharmacy till June 1965 while a programme for the B.Pharm. degree was concurrently started in September 1963. The Senate of the University upgraded the Department into a full Faculty status with effect from 1st October, 1969. Consequently, the growth of the Faculty continued at the Ibadan Campus of the University until it transferred to the Ile-Ife campus in September 1972. This year makes it the 60th anniversary of continuous training of pharmacists by the Faculty of Pharmacy of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
Many Alumni of the Faculty have distinguished themselves in different fields of pharmacy practice as well as other fields of endeavours.”
Speaking on the contributions of GIPAA, the Association’s Global Chairman highlighted GIPAA’s mandates which include but are not limited to engaging the worldwide Alumni network of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as well as to build a culture of Philanthropy and encourage service delivery to the Faculty in particular and the University in general. It also aims to develop and sponsor programs of the Alumni that allows for contribution to ‘The Faculty’s strategic goals.
He informed that GIPAA has developed two main models of giving back by its members. These are individual sets are encouraged to take up and deliver relevant project(s) from a list of priority needs provided by the faculty. Furthermore, we have GIPAA-led projects cross cutting all the sets.”
Over the years, we have delivered several highly impactful projects and we have also intervened in bridging the apparent gaps in the training needs of the faculty and GIPAA. To celebrate the Jubilee Anniversary, GIPAA will be turning the sod on its proposed Ultra-modern Pharmacy students hostel accommodation and commissioning of the rehabilitated laboratories including provision of forty (40) binocular microscopes, a clinical pharmacy simulation laboratory and a transcript processing facility within the faculty for a fast turn around time and coordination.
The overarching goal of GIPAA is to create a global community of Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni that will be productively engaged and connected towards giving back to Great Ife Pharmacy for excellent Teaching and Learning experience in the Faculty in Ife. We would deploy our global network to galvanize our members to see how we can add tremendous value to the Faculty in terms of attracting Scholars and mobilizing grants for research and other scholastic endeavours from now. Laboratory and Drug Manufacturing equipment that can be sourced from both institutional and industrial landscapes will be brought into Ife to change our narrative from just a center of Theoretical training to a Center of Excellence in Pharmacy Education. Consequently, GIPAA will be setting up a very high octane Alumni Team that will comprise of both in Nigeria and Diaspora to begin the process of fishing out globally where equipment for our Labs and the DRPU can be sourced and Facilitators that can upgrade our Faculty will be sourced in order to keep adding value to the experience at the Faculty.
For the Students in the Faculty, let me assure everyone that for your generation, it’s a good time to be a Student in the Faculty of Pharmacy, GIPAA is ready to go to the ends of the earth to ensure that your training in Ife is upgraded and you are provided with the tools you require like it was 30 -40 years ago. We will be there for everyone going forward.”
JOKE BAKARE: A Portrait Of Integrity and Professionalism In Nigeria’s Health Sector
A quintessential Chief Executive Officer and professional pharmacist that has built her reputation not only on competence and creativity in the distribution of quality health products in Nigeria but also demonstrated high degree of integrity and professionalism is Pharm. (Mrs.) Joke Bakare, FPSN, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Medplus Pharmacy Limited.
Pharm Joke Bakare is an innovative and accomplished entrepreneur with capability to translate vision into reality. She is one of the Nigeria’s most prominent pharmacists that has contributed enormously to the growth and development of pharmaceutical industry in the country. She had her primary and secondary education in Oyo state. As a young brilliant and focused student, Pharm Joke proceeded to the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where she obtained Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) in 1986 and served her fatherland in one year compulsory NYSC programme at Military Hospital Awolowo Way, South-West Ikoyi – Lagos State. She further obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Lagos Business School (LBS).
As a catalyst of economic development, Pharm Joke Bakare established the first retail chain pharmacy known as Medplus. The brand started Medicine Plus with its first store at Adeola Odeku Street, Lagos. Indeed, she pioneered the concept of retail chain pharmacy at a time it was not popular in Nigeria. It is worthy of note to state that Medplus has grown to become one of the Nigeria’s largest and fastest growing retail chain pharmacies with over one hundred and ten (110) stores and outlets in Nigeria.
Medplus’s articulated Vision Statement is “To become Nigeria’s landmark healthcare store and pharmacy, with a nationwide reputation for professionalism, innovation, and quality products” and in pursuit of this vision, the Company’s stores offer a comprehensive range of pharmacy services, such as dispersing of OTC (over-the-Counter) and prescription medicines, blood pressure and cholesterol checks and food intolerance testing. Medplus parades a wide range of products which include: Vitamins, and Supplements, dental care, special diet and sports nutritional foods, cosmetics, toiletries, perfumery, homeopathy and aromatherapy with a wide range of home diagnostic equipment. It is also a premier supplier to the medical profession of first aid doctors’ equipment.
In fact, as a wholesale, retail and dispensing pharmaceutical company established for the distribution and retailing of locally manufactured and imported drugs, as well as the provision of free consultation and counseling for customers by well trained professionals, Medplus has put in place a formidable team with members carefully-selected not just for their wealth of experience and skill but also for their friendliness and strength of character.
It is imperative to state that Pharm. Joke Bakare, an accomplished entrepreneur is synonymous with innovativeness, professionalism, integrity, and value creation. Indeed, she is not one of those who got to where they are by whom they knew but his journey to the top of her profession and entrepreneurship has been the product of her commitment, dedication, hard work, tenacity and honesty. She is a visionary leader and a role model in Nigeria.
As Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni Association (GIPAA) celebrates her sixtieth (60th) anniversary this month, Pharm Joke Bakare, a distinguished Alumnus of this University has proved to all and sundry that she is a worthy ambassador of this great institution.
EKUNDAYO OLAKUNLE: Distinguished Great Ife Pharmacy Alumnus, Resourceful Professional, Promoting Quality Healthcare for Nigerians, Through Drugfield Pharma
One of the Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni Association (GIPAA) members that has distinguished himself, not only as a professional pharmacist but also as an accomplished entrepreneur and innovative technocrat is Pharm. Ekundayo Olakunle, FPSN, Founder and Group Managing Director, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Over the years, Pharm. Ekundayo has carved a niche for himself through ethical conduct in production and distribution of high quality pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.
Born in Akure, Ondo State, South-west Nigeria, Pharm Ekundayo attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos in 1973 after his secondary education at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Akure in 1972. As a focused and intelligent young man, he proceeded to the then University of Ife, where he obtained a Bachelor degree in Pharmacy and a Master degree in Pharmaceutics in 1981 from the same University. He started his professional career in 1981 with Glaxo Nigeria Limited as a Production Coordinator before joining Pfizer Products Limited in 1982 as a Production Supervisor from where he rose to become the Production Manager in 1986. As a committed professional, he left Pfizer in 1989 and became the pioneer Plant Manager at Doyin Pharmaceuticals Limited, where he installed the only pharmaceutical clean room facility in Nigeria at that time.
Having made technical inputs into many pharmaceutical manufacturing companies across the major geopolitical zones of Nigeria as a consultant, his vision to create positive impact in human lives motivated him to establish Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited. Since inception thirty years ago, Drugfield – a wholly indigenous company – is known for high quality pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. From an initial manufacture of simple antibiotic skin ointment, a broad range of antifungal and antibiotic combination creams to combat mixed infections, the company has since ventured into the production of other dosage forms such as Tablets, Capsules, Liquid syrups and Suspensions Gels, Dry powders, Sterile Eye, Ear preparations, as well as small and large volume parenterals to meet the growing healthcare needs of the people, within and outside Nigeria.
Meanwhile, it is imperative to mention that in 2014, Drugfield marked a significant milestone in the history of the company and in the Nigerian Health Sector as a whole, while it became the first in Africa in the manufacture of Chlorhexidine Dighiconate Gel, recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for umbilical cord care in newborn babies, and second in the world under the leadership of Pharm Ekundayo. Expectedly, this feat has lifted Drugfield Pharmaceuticals into an international drugs production arena. Indeed, this singular achievement opened up the company to the rest of the world through regular interactions with development partners and organisations such as Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH); United State Agency for International Development (USAID); United States Pharmacopoeia (USP); World Chlorheixine Working Group (WCWG); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI); amongst many others.
With articulated Vision “To make available medicines for the well being of mankind” and committed Mission “To improve quality of life through production, distribution and sale of quality, safe and effective medicines”, Drugfield has put in place a nationwide coverage strategy through its duly registered service centres in thirteen strategic locations across Nigeria. The company also operates a fleet of distribution trucks that deliver her quality pharmaceutical products to various service centres and distributors across the nation in a way that ensures timely, cost effective delivery. Indeed, Drugfield had become innovative reference point wherever quality pharmaceutical products are mentioned in the country.
To further consolidate its leading position and in reaffirming the company’s commitment to quality pharmaceutical products, the Chief Executive Officer of Drugfield stressed that “At Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited, we are committed to the manufacturing and distribution of quality medicinal products that meet the needs of our customers and entire Nigerians. This we do by engaging competent personnel, modern technology and quality materials in a conducive and friendly work environment while adhering strictly to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), applicable laws and regulatory requirements. In fact, our commitment to quality in all ramifications is truly our hallmark. From procurement of materials, and all through manufacturing to distribution and consumption adherence to high quality standard without compromise is a culture that has endeared us to the hearts of our customers. Therefore, with constant review and improvement of our Quality Management Systems (QMS), we can boldly declare that Drugfield products are excellent products from a sure source.”
In recognition and appreciation of his commitment, dedication and enormous contributions to the Nigerian health sector and humanity, Pharm Ekundayo – a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAP), as well as Member, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), has been honoured with many Awards and Recognitions by several organisations and institutions within and outside Nigeria. These include the Federal Medicinal Centre’s Award at Scientific Luncheon of the National and Administrative Pharmacists (NAHAP); Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Award for Outstanding Contributions; Thosco’s Award for the Most Innovative Manufacturer of the Year 2009. Also, he has received The Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2014 as Africa’s First Manufacturer of Chlorheixdine Gel for the Prevention of Umbilical Cord Infections in Newborn, and Second Best in the world.
As Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni Association (GIPAA) celebrates her Sixtieth (60th) Anniversary this October, 2023, Pharm Ekundayo Olakunle, an alumnus of this great University and a distinguished member of GIPAA has unequivocally proved himself as a Good Ambassador of this great institution.
CHRIS EHIMEN:A Symbol Of Quality Pharmaceutical Products, Worthy Ambassador Of GIPAA
“Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness” – Napoleon Hill
The above statement vividly describes the managerial and leadership style of Pharm Chris Ehimen, FPSN, FNAP, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Nett Pharmacy Limited.
Since his assumption of office in 2011 as Chief Executive Officer, Pharm Chris Ehimen has distinguished himself not only as a strategic thinker and technocrat but also as community pharmacist with a strong determination to help his customers to live well and to live better through high quality pharmaceutical products, from trusted sources.
With a Bachelor in Pharmacy (B. Pharm) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an MBA from University of Benin, Ehimen is a cohort member of the Stanford University Business Transformation Programme (SUBTP).
As an impactful professional, he has diverse and extensive experiences working in sales and marketing functions across national and international companies cutting across pharmaceutical, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Telecommunications and Banking industries.
Specifically, he started his professional career, as a Sales Representative/ Brand Manager with Sterling Health/GSK. He later moved on to become Head of Marketing in Promasidor Nigeria Limited (Makers of Cowbell Milk). As a committed and dedicated professional with strong desire to achieve his organization’s goals, Pharm Ehimen was employed by Globacom as Head of Consumer Marketing and later joined Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), as Head of Marketing Segments in the Retail Banking Division of the Bank.
An innovative professional, Ehimen championed the introduction of successful FMCG and telecom products into the Nigerian and West African markets and in 2011 he took over the leadership position of Nett Pharmacy Limited as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Licensed by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to engage in the sales and distribution of all types of pharmaceutical products, Nett Pharmacy’s mission statement is “To provide top quality and innovative health and beauty products that enable customers to live well and live better”.
Under the leadership of Pharm. Ehimen, the company has redefined the face of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria by operating innovative and modern pharmacy practice in all its outlets and stores. Indeed, all the company’s outlets are fully manned by quality and experience pharmacists and other Health Assistants.
As a forward looking organization with the sole aim of impacting on the lives of the people, Nett Pharmacy is dedicated and committed to ensuring that her customers live well and live better through high quality pharmaceutical and beauty products from trusted sources are readily available in all its outlets across the country.
In recognition of his commitment, dedication, hard work and enormous contributions to the economic development of Nigeria especially in the health sector of the nation. Pharm Ehimen has been honoured with many Awards and Recognitions by several organizations and institutes within and outside Nigeria. These include Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN); Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (FNAP); Winner of the Merit Award by the Lagos State Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; Distinguished Community Pharmacist Awardees of ACPN National. Furthermore, he is a Cohort Member of the Stanford University Business Transformation Programme and he has attended and facilitated several business and leadership development programmes, both in Nigeria and overseas.
As a leading community pharmacy, Nett Pharmacy Limited is currently operating several retail outlets that are strategically spread across the cities in Lagos, Delta, Ogun, Imo, Abia States and Abuja all in Nigeria while the corporate head office is located at 33, Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos.
As Great Ife Pharmacy Alumni Association (GIPAA) is celebrating her diamond (60th) anniversary this month, Pharm Chris Ehimen, a distinguished Alumnus and the Chairman of 1987 Set expresses his profound gratitude to the entire University community and assures the faculty of unalloyed support of GIPAA to enable them to continue to produce pharmacists that will compete favourably anywhere in the world.
