The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN) Edo State, Nigeria, recently held her first Faculty Research Day, hosted by the Dean of the faculty, Prof. J. O. Akerele. The Research Day, which is to be an annual event was aimed at providing a forum for researchers, academics and postgraduate students, working in the field of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, to have a platform for the presentation of their research results, innovations, products and activities.
The event, held at the University of Benin Banquet Hall, witnessed a large turnout of participants from various fields of endeavours including Academia, Industry, Business and Government functionaries.
In attendance were: The Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. F.F.O. Orunmwense, represented by the Director, University of Benin Research and Publication Committee (URPC), Prof. F. E. Okieimen; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Jacob Ehiorobo; University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) E. Idiodi; Director of Pharmaceutical Services, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Dr (Mrs) C. Olumese; Dr Tom O. Obaseki, chairman, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and retired permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed all participants and congratulated the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. J.O. Akerele and the assistant Dean, Dr (Mrs) Bafor for their ingenuity in putting forward such a great event, noting that the Faculty of Pharmacy is the first faculty to organise a research day in the University of Benin.
He encouraged other faculties to emulate the Faculty of Pharmacy. He also spoke on the need for research culture to be imbibed by every academic, while stressing that research is the only way the academics can showcase their inventions, innovations and contributions and thus make the universities to be properly placed in the scheme of things. On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Okieimen pledged financial support for the best two award winners of the Research Day.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ehiorobo, also expressed his delight in such achievement by the faculty as he congratulated Prof. Akerele, and the assistant Dr Bafor, for the landmark and laudable accomplishment.
Dr Obaseki, an erudite scholar, a pharmacist and an enigma in playing pivotal role in positioning Edo State in the No. 1 position amongst 18 states in Nigeria, expressed his delight in the programme, noting that events of this nature can help in bridging the gap between the academia the government and the industry.
The major activity of the day was the presentation of stimulating research topics in the field of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, including Natural Product Chemistry; Pharmaceutical Analysis; Herbal and Alternative Medicines; Pharmacology; Toxicology; Cell Biology; Pharmaceutical Technology; Biotechnology; Microbiology; Clinical Pharmacy and Public Health. These were delivered in oral and in poster presentations by Lecturers/Researchers in the faculty as well as postgraduate students. The presentations were sandwiched with exciting guest lectures delivered by renowned academics. Among the guest speakers were Prof. C.O. Usifoh who spoke on grant writing and Prof. R.I. Ozolua who delivered a lecture on mentorship.
As part of the event was also a presentation by IWEMI Digital an e-resource for publishers.
The event was climaxed by the presentation of award certificates and prizes to outstanding oral and poster presenters in the various departments of the faculty.
Some of the award winners included: Pharm. Agbonlahor Okhuarobo, (Best oral presenter, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology); Pharm. Issa O. Bello, (Best oral presenter, Department of Pharmacognosy); Dr Osayemwenre Erharuyi (Best oral presenter, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry); Dr (Mrs) Upe Babauiwa, (Best Oral Presenter, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology); Dr Collins Airemwen, (Best oral presenter, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology) among others.
In addition, the overall best oral and poster presenter, Dr Valentine U. Odili, of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice and Dr (Mrs) S. Usifoh, of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy practise, are to receive research grants from the University of Benin to boost their research efforts and to also encourage early and intermediate career investigators in their research endeavours.
