–Commend his Contributions to Pharmacy, Public Health
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Pharmaceutical community, on Saturday 15 March, 2025, celebrated the 90th birthday of Professor Gabriel Ediale Osuide, a notable figure in pharmacy education, drug regulation, and public health.
Professor Osuide, a renowned academic and institution builder, is best known as the foundation Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He is also the Nigeria’s first Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from 1992 to 2000. The celebrant is known to have played crucial role in shaping the country’s drug regulatory framework and strengthening pharmaceutical education.
Described as an icon and a ‘colossus of pharmaceutical knowledge,’ Professor Osuide’s impact spans decades. His distinguished academic journey began at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, where he graduated with First-Class Honors in Pharmacy in the early 1960s. He went on to obtain a PhD in Pharmacology, training under eminent scholars such as William Cameron Bowman, Mike J. Rand, and Geoff B. West.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Professor Osuide dedicated his life to the development of pharmacy education, particularly at ABU Zaria, where he nurtured and mentored many distinguished professionals. Notable among his former students and mentees are Dr Charles Wambebe, Prof. Elijah Sokombah, Dr Gbola Lahan, Prof. Philip Olurinola, and Dr Dere Awosika, among others, who are making significant contributions globally.
Professor Osuide’s milestone birthday was marked by an outpouring of accolades from Nigeria’s president and prominent figures in academia, pharmacy, and public health.
In a statement signed on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu extended warm congratulations to Professor Osuide, describing him as a ‘public health icon’ whose contributions to pharmaceutical education and drug regulation have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Professor Osuide has shaped the foundation of pharmacy education and drug administration in Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional reforms, and public service inspires us all,” President Tinubu said. He further acknowledged Osuide’s role in positioning Nigeria as a leader in pharmaceutical sciences and drug regulation.
In a heartfelt tribute, Prof. Fola and Moji Tayo, along with their family in London, described Prof. Osuide as an ‘institution of great repute’ whose work ethic and innovation inspired generations.
“Professor Osuide’s ability to adapt local materials to solve complex scientific problems was truly remarkable. He instilled in us a commitment to excellence and a relentless work ethic,” said a former colleague. “Even back in Zaria, the lab was always open, and he worked tirelessly into the night, ensuring the success of his students and the advancement of pharmacy research.”
The birthday celebration in Lagos brought together leading pharmacists, including Dr Dere Awosika, Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora, Prof. Leere Baale, Prof. M.I. Sule, and Prof. Mohammed Garba Magaji, among others, who lauded Professor Osuide’s immense contributions to the field.
