The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Mrs. Chinedum Peace Babalola, has disclosed that the N5.84 billion in the 2021 budget allocated to key agencies by the Federal Government on pharmaceutical research and vaccines development should go a long way in developing and producing Nigeria’s COVID-19 vaccine rather than spending huge amount of money on the importation of vaccines from foreign country.   

Babalola, the first Female Professor of Pharmacology in Nigeria stated that the allocation for local pharmaceutical research and vaccine is a step towards the right direction, but smart plans are required for Nigeria to record huge success in it.

The Vice-Chancellor in interview section with a Television Station on “Pharmaceutical Research and Vaccines Development “ further revealed that awareness, transparency and convincement are pivotal to making Nigerians accept COVID-19 vaccination to immune them against the deadly virus.

She said the government needs to provide detailed information about the COVID 19 vaccination, adding that transparency and clarity that the vaccines are viable is essential.

The VC, however, advised Nigerians to observe the COVID- 19 protocols and follow the precautionary measures strictly to contain the spread of the pandemic, adding that the Coronavirus pandemic is real.

“The government should also ensure these protocols are being observed and sanction those who go against such protocols,” she said.