…As Babalola Proposes Annual Lecture in Memory of Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi
Two of Nigeria’s foremost pharmacy scholars, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola and Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora, have paid glowing tributes to the late Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, founder and publisher of Pharmanews, describing him as a rare legend who redefined the pharmacy profession in Nigeria through ethical leadership, purposeful mentorship, and pioneering journalism.
Both academics shared deeply personal reflections on their relationships with the 85-year-old icon, whose death has left a significant void in the Nigerian Pharmacy landscape.
Prof. Babalola, former vice-chancellor of Chrisland University and renowned pharmaceutical scientist, described the news of his death as a “somber” and deeply painful moment.
“The reality is difficult to process. No more inspiring words, no more thought-provoking write-ups in Pharmanews, no more guidance from his unique perspective. We’ve lost not just a man, but an era, a legacy, and a voice that resonated with many,” she wrote in her tribute.
She praised Atueyi’s visionary impact on the Pharmacy profession, particularly through Pharmanews, which she described as a platform that consistently celebrated pharmacists, other professionals, and even students.
Prof. Babalola said “He was one man who turned the Pharmacy world upside down and up, rewriting the stories of Pharmacy professionals, placing them on the global map. One man who made news out of the product, the patient, and the practitioner”.
Prof. Babalola also emphasised his Christian character, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She credited him with publicly supporting her throughout her academic journey, from pharmacist to professor, dean, and vice-chancellor.
“You celebrated me on the pages of Pharmanews several times, including during NAPharm’s recognition of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and me in 2018. You will never be forgotten”, she said.
She however proposed an annual lecture in memory of the Pharmanews publisher. She said “To honor his memory, I propose that we establish annual lectures that showcase his life, times, and achievements. This would ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations”.
On his part, Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora, pro-chancellor of Igbinedion University and former registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), described Sir Atueyi as “Oga Pharmanews”, a man of discipline, humility, and depth, whose influence stretched across generations.
He said, “In my almost forty years of association with him, he broke the ice and made me relax totally. He was cerebral, ethical, and deeply religious.”
Prof. Mora recalled their first major interaction at the 1987 PSN Conference in Sokoto, where Atueyi, as national secretary, conducted proceedings with precision. He noted that their bond deepened during his (Mora) time at PCN, where Sir Atueyi was invited to deliver the inaugural Fred Adenika Memorial Lecture in 2004, a lecture series that became an annual tradition under Mora’s leadership.
Their collaboration culminated in the co-authorship of “Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Management: The Fred Adenika Legacy,” a landmark book project that took them from Lagos to Akure and even across the Atlantic during a NAPPSA conference in Atlanta.
“That experience brought us even closer. We shared countless hours discussing Pharmacy, ethics, and legacy. He always appeared healthy and impeccably dressed. I thought he would live to be 100”, Prof. Mora said.
He called on the Pharmacy community to uphold the values that Sir Atueyi stood for.
