Prof Ighodaro Igben (middle), Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) hosted its first-ever public lecture, aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof Ighodaro Igben, highlighted the disconnect between laboratory research and industry needs, emphasising that the lecture series would foster dialogue to guide practical research directions.
Guest lecturer Prof Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), spoke on the theme, “Translational Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry.”
He criticised limited collaboration among scholars, attributing it to envy and rivalry, and called for teamwork among lecturers and students to drive innovation.
“Translational research demands diverse medical skills and collaboration. Students should undertake projects that solve real-world problems and make them indispensable,” Emeje said. He stressed Africa’s overdependence on imported drugs and Nigeria’s malaria burden, urging research that addresses local health challenges.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Buniyamin Ayinde, also encouraged faculty members to translate discoveries into practical applications, particularly the use of medicinal plants, ensuring they are safe and beneficial for public use.
The lecture marks the faculty’s commitment to integrating research, innovation and industry relevance for societal impact.
