UNN Faculty of Pharmacy Renames Auditorium In Honour of Al-Tinez Pharma

pharmacy

• As company donates multimedia gadgets, other devices

In recognition of its commitment and contribution to the school, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka has rechristened its main auditorium in honour of Al-Tinez Pharmaceuticals Limited.

It would be recalled that the pharma outfit, jointly run by Pharm. Martins Igbonacho, chairman and Pharm. Steve Okoronkwo, managing director, recently made a donation of 8- split- unit Panasonic air conditioners, curtains, multimedia projector, electronic interactive e-Board (fingers sensitive), public address  system, large white board and wooden stage curtains to their alma mater.

Speaking with Pharmanews, the Al-Tinez Pharma director declared that the donation was in fulfillment of the company’s pledge to the faculty to fully equip the third classroom and auditorium.

This assertion was further buttressed by Dr Chukwuemeka S. Nworu, an associate dean of the faculty who stressed that Al-Tinez Pharma responded to their call for the faculty’s alumni to give back to the Alma mater.

“The call was made specifically in May 2016, during the homecoming event hosted by the Faculty. We subsequently followed up on the pledge by Al-Tinez to furnish our faculty auditorium. The staff and students are grateful for the magnanimity,” he said.

According to Nworu, Al-Tinez early response caught everybody off guard.

“The dean, Professor Godswill C. Onunkwo, was so impressed and has since authorised that the auditorium be renamed Al-Tinez Faculty Auditorium. We are encouraging other well-meaning alumni of the faculty to look back and give a little back to where they once call home.

“There is nothing wrong with giving back to an institution that nurtured and gave you the platform to be whoever you are today. We therefore call on all alumni to follow the footsteps of Al-Tinez. These two pharmacists (Igbonacho & Okoronkwo) have done really great,” he applauded.

It is heartwarming to note that Pharm. (Barr.) Steve Azubuike Okoronkwo, managing director of Al-Tinez Group (Al-Tinez Pharmaceuticals, Centaur Pharma, Xcel Pharma, Al-Tinez Visions Limited and Al-Tinez Consumer Care Limited) is a native of Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. He attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha from 1980 to 1985 and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1986-1991) where he studied Pharmacy.

In 1998, the dynamic pharmacist was admitted to study Law at the University of Lagos, Akoka. On graduation in 2005, he attended the Nigerian Law School and finished in 2006.

Pharm. Martin Chibuike Igbonacho, on the other hand, is the chairman of Al-Tinez Group (Al-Tinez Pharmaceuticals, Centaur Pharma, Xcel Pharma, Al-Tinez Visions Limited and Al-Tinez Consumer Care Limited) was born on 20 November, 1968.

A Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Igbonacho is an indigene of Imo State. The pharmacist attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri (1982 – 1987) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1988-1994) where he studied Pharmacy.

Between 2002 and 2008, Igbonacho went through the West Africa Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) programme where he bagged his fellowship. After the euphoria, the pharmacist was back at the University of Calabar for his Master of Business Administration (MBA).