In a significant move to bolster academic achievement and strengthen ties between academia and industry, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has announced the launch of its Academic Excellence Award for the best graduating student in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology.
The annual award, which includes a cash prize of ₦200,000, will be presented to one outstanding graduating student from each of five selected universities across the country.
The chosen institutions, selected to ensure broad geographical representation, are the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN); Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State (IUO); Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU); and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU).
According to NAIP, the initiative is designed to recognise and reward exceptional academic performance in industrial pharmacy disciplines, particularly Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology. It also aims to inspire excellence among pharmacy students and foster closer collaboration between academia and the pharmaceutical industry. This, NAIP believes, will strengthen industry-academic synergy in developing the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals.
In a statement jointly signed by NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Ken Onuegbu, and National Secretary, Pharm. Dr Joy Eniye Adeshina, the association stated:
“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our brightest minds. This award reflects our shared vision for innovation and excellence in pharmaceutical sciences.”
While briefing notable stakeholders about the award at the recent commissioning of the NAIP House in Lagos, Onuegbu affirmed the association’s full commitment to the initiative. “We pray that there is not going to be any stop to that,” he said. He also expressed optimism that the number of beneficiary institutions would increase over time.
“As time goes on, we expect that the five universities will grow to 10 or 20, as the case may be,” Onuegbu added.
He further noted that the award underscores NAIP’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals and supporting educational institutions in their pursuit of academic excellence.
The immediate past National Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), Professor Gbenga Akinkunmi, in a chat with Pharmanews, commended NAIP for the initiative, describing it as a welcome development that will encourage academic excellence among students.
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