The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University , Abeokuta, Ogun State,  Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, FAS, FPSN has called for Nigeria to shift its focus from being a pharmaceutical importer to becoming a pharmaceutical manufacturing country. The African Union Laureate made these remarks during the Pharmaceutical Stakeholders Dinner held to host the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate CON, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel in Ikeja on January 31, 2024.

The event, which aimed to address the increasing costs and accessibility of medication in Nigeria, was chaired and hosted by Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi Adeluyi, the Chairman of MTN Foundation. The dinner was attended by esteemed guests such as Professor Moji Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, the honorable Minister of Health, and several directors and CEOs of pharmaceutical  Industry, associations and organizations .

During the event, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Odianose Usifoh, FPSN and the President of the Federation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (FeNPIA), Dr. Okey Akpa, presented the challenges related to the rising costs of medication in Nigeria. In response, the honorable Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended their efforts and pledged his support and collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Industry, suggesting qarterly  meetings to address immediate needs and issues for better healthcare services in the country.
In an interview with CEO Africa, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola emphasized the need for Nigeria to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing country rather than relying on imports. She argued that by producing drugs locally, the cost of medication would be reduced , making it more affordable to the average person. Additionally, the first female Pharmacy Vice Chanellor in Nigeria  emphasized the importance of implementing better drug distribution control to prevent drug abuse, as many crimes committed in society are fueled by substance abuse.

Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola is a highly esteemed professor of pharmaceutical chemistry and Pharmacokinetics. She is the first female Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University. Professor Babalola has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the field of pharmacy, including the African Union Kwame Nkrumah  Award for Scientific Excellence in 2019.
Her call for Nigeria to prioritize pharmaceutical manufacturing aligns with the country's goal of achieving affordable and accessible healthcare services. 
With the support of key stakeholders and the collaboration of the Ministry of Health, Nigeria is set to witness a significant transformation in its Pharmaceutical Industry, leading to improved availability and affordability of essential medications for its citizens.