Profile of Professor (Mrs.) Chinedum Peace Babalola (FAS, FAAS, FPSN, FNAPharm, FPCPharm, FIPAN)
Professor of Pharmacokinetics/Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry &
Centre for Drug Discovery Development & Production (CDDDP)
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan
Professor (Mrs.) Chinedum Peace Babalola Nee Anyabuike is one of Africa’s most distinguished pharmacists, scholars, and institutional leaders, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to pharmacy education, pharmaceutical sciences, and higher education leadership.
Her illustrious career is marked by historic milestones: the first female Professor and Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan, first Nigerian female inducted Fellow of African Academy of Sciences; and the first female pharmacist in Nigeria to be appointed Vice-Chancellor, where she led Chrisland University with remarkable distinction for seven years.
Her pioneering work in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and pharmaceutical quality assurance has transformed drug therapy in Africa. Her seminal studies on antimalarials and antibiotics optimized treatment outcomes, informed dose adjustments, and advanced generic formulations. She conducted landmark pharmacogenetic studies in Nigerians, sickle cell patients, and people living with HIV, providing insights for precision medicine. Her collaborative research on breast cancer genomics and clinical trials has deepened the understanding of African disease patterns and therapies.
As a multi-grant awardee, she led the establishment of the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP), in the University of Ibadan with approximately $1 million MacArthur grant, which, has advanced drug discovery, medicine regulation, and capacity building across Africa. The Centre developed innovative pharmaceutical products used during health emergencies such as the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics.
She has about 120 peer-reviewed publications, more than 150 conference presentations, and two patents. As a transformational leader, she played a pivotal role in securing national approval for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in Nigeria while serving as the founding Chairperson of the PSN Deans’ Forum (2014-2017). Under her leadership, Chrisland University experienced exponential growth, and academic recognition, including establishing Africa’s first accredited Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) program.
Her numerous accolades include being named an African Union Kwame Nkrumah Regional Laureate for Scientific Excellence (2019), recipient of the May & Baker Best Pharmacist in Nigeria Award and WIMBIZ’s 2022 Five Female Academic Achievers award.
She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS), African Academy of Sciences (FAAS), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm), West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm), and the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (FIPAN), and recently Fellow Academy of Medical Sciences (FAMEDs), among others.
Her legacy as a scholar, innovator, mentor, and visionary leader continues to shape the future of Nigerians and beyond.
