Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has called for increased investment in locally produced medicines to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported drugs, particularly traditional herbal products from China and India.
The call was made at the AB Pharmaceuticals Business Summit, where the university showcased three products: AB Mal, ABUAD Virucidine and AB Health Animation 250mg.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of AB Pharmaceutical Services, Afolabi Oluwatoyin, said Nigerians needed to embrace locally developed medicines instead of relying heavily on foreign alternatives.
She explained that the initiative reflected the vision of ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola, to improve healthcare delivery through locally produced medicines.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, called for stronger partnerships among universities, pharmaceutical companies, regulators and investors to promote indigenous medicines.
Similarly, the Deputy Provost of the College of Pharmacy, Dr Oluwole Akawa, said Nigeria had the resources to develop its pharmaceutical industry but needed greater public acceptance of locally manufactured drugs.
The Ekiti State Chairman of the Association of Pharmaceutical Products Marketers of Nigeria, Peter Ajayi, pledged the association’s support in promoting the university’s products.
