NAFDAC Boss Urges Academia-Industry Alliance to Boost Pharmaceutical R&D in Nigeria

At the 38th Prof. V.O. Marquis Memorial Lecture held at Obafemi Awolowo University, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a compelling call for deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to revolutionize pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) in Nigeria.

In her keynote address, Prof. Adeyeye declared that the future of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical R&D is now, emphasizing that stronger synergy across sectors is essential to tackle the nation’s pressing health challenges, boost local drug manufacturing, and stimulate economic growth.

She unveiled a proposed pilot initiative to unite select pharmaceutical companies and Nigerian universities in co-developing research aligned with national health priorities. Under the plan, NAFDAC will provide regulatory oversight, while the private sector is expected to contribute funding and benefit from incentives such as R&D tax credits ensuring long-term sustainability.

Highlighting the agency’s recent attainment of Maturity Level 3 regulatory status, Prof. Adeyeye said the programme will also foster real-world learning for students, bridging the gap between academic training and industry practice.

NAFDAC, she announced, is set to establish a dedicated Office of Research along with a state-of-the-art laboratory to strengthen scientific innovation and ensure data integrity. She also called for industry participation in developing region-specific solutions, including vaccines and biosensors, to meet local health needs.

“This is not a luxury; it’s a national imperative,” Prof. Adeyeye said. “We have the potential, the partnerships, and the framework now is the time to act.”

Her remarks resonated with stakeholders and set the tone for what could mark a new era in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape.