It was a harvest of tributes for the late Professor of Physical Pharmaceutics and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Oleka Kelechi Udeala, at a valedictory service organised by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) in his honour. Leaders in the pharmaceutical community gathered at the Old Great Hall of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to pay their last respects to the distinguished scholar.
Pharmanews reports that Professor Udeala died on 7 June , 2026, at the age of 85, reportedly passing away peacefully in his sleep.
The Founding President of NAPharm, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, who disclosed that he had known the late professor for 48 years, described him as a man of great character and humility who did his best to leave the world a better place.
According to him, Professor Udeala was a disciplinarian par excellence and a gentleman to the core, who left remarkable footprints in the sands of time. He never scrambled for positions or power that had not been given to him but remained guided by simple yet profound philosophies of life, including, “God’s time is the best” and “It’s a free world; you don’t have to kill yourself for any position.”
Also addressing the gathering, NAPharm President, Professor Lere Baale, acknowledged the void the late scholar’s passing had created in the Academy and the pharmaceutical community at large. He, however, noted that Udeala’s work, the students he taught, and the lives he touched were enduring reminders that his legacy lives on.
“He was one of the greatest people who influenced my life and paved my way. He told me not to build a house because the best house to build is a university. My friend taught me that if you want your work to last, you should teach so that your impact extends beyond your lifetime. What you teach will remain in people’s hearts and be passed down to future generations,” Baale said.
Professor Udeala was born the youngest of five children. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in 1965 before obtaining a master’s degree in Radiation Microbiology and a doctorate in Physical Pharmaceutics from the Victoria University of Manchester.
He made history as the first alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to serve as its Vice-Chancellor, holding the position from 1992 to 1995. In 2004, he went on to establish the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he also served as its pioneer head and dean.
He was also the founder of the IDQ Test Kit, developed in 1990 to detect counterfeit drugs, further underscoring his commitment to medicine quality assurance and public health.
Paying tribute to the late professor’s dedication to advancing pharmaceutical science and knowledge, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, observed that Udeala did not rest on his laurels after becoming a vice-chancellor. Instead, he continued to work tirelessly to establish the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Port Harcourt.
According to Ayuba, this demonstrated that the late scholar understood that true success in life lies in knowledge and learning rather than material possessions.
For Distinguished Professor Cecilia igwilo, the late Professor Udeala was an eminent pharmacist, distinguished academic, institutional builder, and mentor par excellence. She noted that he did more than transfer knowledge: he inspired minds, developed character, challenged limitations, and prepared others to carry the torch forward.
“Professor Udeala exemplified this enduring responsibility of the academic profession. The pharmacists he taught and mentored, and the generations they will subsequently influence, constitute a living testimony to the far-reaching impact of his work.
“His legacy, therefore, cannot be measured solely by the offices he occupied or the honours he received. It must also be measured by the people he prepared, the opportunities he helped create, and the professional standards he helped advance,” she said.
Reading the Academy’s communiqué on Professor Udeala, NAPharm Vice-President, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, chronicled the life and achievements of the late pharmacist, describing him as an eminent pharmaceutical scientist, distinguished academic, innovator, university administrator, mentor, and institution builder whose contributions significantly advanced pharmacy education, research, and professional development in Nigeria.
“From his early interest in medicinal plants to his distinguished academic career, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to scientific excellence, medicine quality assurance, and patient safety. His leadership in university administration and pioneering role in establishing pharmaceutical education programmes helped strengthen institutions and create opportunities for generations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
“Beyond his scientific achievements, Professor Udeala served the pharmaceutical profession through his contributions to professional organisations, academic committees, postgraduate supervision, and the mentorship of younger scholars. His numerous recognitions reflected his dedication to research, innovation, and public service, while his integrity, discipline, and commitment to institutional development distinguished him as an exemplary leader.
“Even after retirement, he continued to contribute to the advancement of pharmacy education, demonstrating that a true legacy extends beyond formal appointments and personal achievements,” the communiqué stated.
The Founding Secretary of NAPharm, Professor Fola Tayo, echoed the sentiments expressed by other speakers, describing the late Professor Udeala as a man of deep Christian faith, humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to righteousness.
“A principled gentleman, pragmatic optimist, and dedicated educationist, he distinguished himself as an accomplished pharmacist, exemplary administrator, trailblazer, and mentor whose contributions to pharmacy education and professional development in Nigeria were invaluable. His dedication to service, purposeful leadership, and commitment to God and humanity earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and younger generations,” Tayo said.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje, also paid tribute to the late scholar, whom he identified as his academic great-grand-supervisor.
Emeje particularly highlighted Udeala’s achievements in pharmacognosy, noting his work on developing a natural drug from ogbolon, as well as his contributions to improving Nigerian cement through the use of natural raw materials. He proposed that NAPharm immortalise the late professor by dedicating three medicinal plant projects in his name.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), its National Chairperson, Professor Catherine Nonyelum Stanley, honoured the late educationist, describing him as a pioneering scholar, dedicated teacher and mentor, courageous administrator, and institution builder whose contributions helped shape the foundations of academic pharmacy in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos, Professor Segun [surname not provided], highlighted the virtues of the late academic icon.
“Professor Udeala’s life exemplified intellectual excellence, visionary leadership, institutional development, and service to humanity. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of pharmacists and academics to pursue scientific innovation, uphold professional integrity, strengthen educational institutions, and advance public health,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Professor Udeala’s first son, Mr Chinasa Udeala, expressed gratitude to the Academy for honouring his late father. He also recalled fond memories of his father and the wise counsel he offered to his biological and non-biological children.
“He was known as somebody who stood by his word, and those are the principles we live by today,” Chinasa said.
Recalling the night he learnt of his father’s passing, he said one of his father’s familiar words of encouragement immediately came to mind.
“I remember when I was moving from the UK to Kenya and my mum was asking, ‘What are you doing there?’ When I eventually moved there, my dad encouraged me and said, ‘Okay, fine, you live your life, you live your life.’
“Even when I was going through tough times, something he used to tell me as a child always rang in my head throughout that period and even now. He told me, ‘Tough times never last, but tough people do,’” he recalled.
The high point of the occasion was the presentation of some of Professor Udeala’s personal effects to the Academy, alongside a portrait in his honour, in recognition of his enduring contributions to pharmacy education, scientific research, and the development of the pharmaceutical profession in Nigeria.
