Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

1. The First female Pharmacist Professor to be appointed a Vice Chancellor in Nigeria, 2017
2. The first female Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry in University of Ibadan (UI), 2006
3. The first Female Pharmacist Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, UI, 2006
4. First Female Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UI, 2003-2005; 2012-2013
5. The first Female Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, UI, 2013-2017 (two terms)
6. The First Female Inaugural Lecturer of the Faculty of Pharmacy, UI, 2011
7. The first Female to be elected Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), in University of Ibadan, 2012
8. The first Female Pharmacist to be elected Fellow African Academy of Science (FAAS), 2013
9. The first Female to be elected Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm) in University of Ibadan, 2015
10. The first Female to be elected Fellow of West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm) in University of Ibadan, 2014
11. Named as one of 10 Most influential Nigerian women in science <http://thepinknetworkng.com/10-most-influential-nigerian-women-in-science/> in 2016
12. Selected as a member of the Strategy Working Group (SWG) of the joint committee of International Council for Science (ICSU) and International Social Science Council (ISSC). She was the only Black and African out of the 11 scientists and social scientists selected world-over http://www.icsu.org/news-centre/news/top-news/members-of-strategy-working-group-and-transition-task-force-appointed-to-develop-frameworks-for-possible-icsu-issc-merger in 2016.
13. Appointed as the First Coordinator of Deans Forum of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) when it was established in 2014 and has remained so till date.
14. As Dean, led the design of a new Pharmacy curriculum – Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) after 18 years of using old curriculum
15. As Dean, designed the First strategic plan for the Faculty
16. As Dean, Inaugurated Wellness Clinic for the Faculty
17. As Dean, obtained approval for a new Faculty Complex (now under construction) for the first time since inception of faculty 37 years ago. There was general overhaul of infrastructure, sanitation and beautification of the faculty
18. As Dean, Obtained a Faculty Bus for the first time since inception 37 years ago
19. As Dean, succeeded in establishment of a new Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology in the Faculty of Pharmacy after 34 years of asking and seeking approval from the University
20. As Dean, increased students’ intake (more than double from 40 to100 per session)
21. As Dean, empowered students, initiated “white Coat ceremony” and dress code for professionalism, inaugurated Student Leadership club, students’ debate club. Students improved in their outlooks, won prizes in speech, debates and oratory, students’ academic performance improved significantly
22. As Dean, established Dean’s prize and Dean’s sports trophy
23. The maiden prize established by University of Ibadan Women society (UIWS) for the best female UI graduate was endowed in honour Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola by a donor, Katchey Company Limited
24. Led the team (Principal Investigator) that won a MacArthur grant (approx. $1million) to set up a Centre of Excellence – centre for Drug Discovery Development and Production (CDDDP) in 2012 termed ‘First of its kind in Africa’ by Macrthur Foundation. CDDDP is set up to empower African to make and regulate their own medicines. The centre has built capacity in Nigeria and has new pharmaceutical products (up to 6) awaiting NAFDAC approval
25.  Served for two-terms (2005-2010) as the Director, General Studies Program (GSP), Unit (now a centre) in University of Ibadan, being the first Pharmacist to occupy that position. Supervised the erection and commissioning of a new building complex GSP Unit, completed publishing of all GSP textbooks, and acquired state-of- the art machines for automating GSP activities electronically and free from malpractice (registration, teaching, examination, results etc.) for all Regular and Distance Learning undergraduate students (approx. 30,000 students). The facilities and methods have been adopted by the University for conduct of entrance examinations (Post-UME), other internal examinations and staff recruitment.
26. As HOD, brought in some innovations – obtained a departmental car as donations, overhauled  the laboratories by changing tables to marble and floor to tiles, attracted a modern chemical hood worth millions, changed
27. Led the research team that studied and published first ever pharmacogenetics data on sickle cell disease patient that is relevant in managing these people
28. Discovered significant drug-drug interaction between antimalarials and antibiotics relevant for drug dosage re-design and patient care.
29. With respect to entrepreneurial skills, during the first Research fair held in the University of Ibadan in 2005, Exhibition of my research on quinine suppositories, won selection as one of the innovative products presented by UI to NUC exhibition at Abuja. The achievements of the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP) in the recently held University Research and Innovative fair  (November 2016), won Faculty of Pharmacy the first position based on presentation of over 10 innovative pharmaceutical formulations such as herbal teas, hand sanitizers, antimicrobial creams, etc. as stated by assessors.
30. As a University administrator, established memorandum of understanding (MOU) with local and foreign institutions (Public & Private) including Howard University, USA, University of Florida, USA, Walter Sisilu University (WSU), Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy (KSP), Moshi, Tanzania, Roosevelt University, USA, South Africa, Reckitt-Benckiser, UK; NIPRD, Abuja, among others
31. Ability to bridge the gap between gown and town through awareness and management of healthcare issues (e.g. sickle cell disease, community directed programme, consultancy services through CDDDP, product manufacture etc.)
32. Attraction of benefactors/donors. Have a very long list of benefactors while serving as Head of department, Director and Dean (infrastructure, prizes, library materials etc.)
33. Significant enhancement in student and staff Welfare including research activities, scholarship, fellowships, promotion, staff development etc. e.g. Professors rose from 8 to 13 during my tenure as Dean.
34. Introduction and promotion of active-based learning by staff and students in faculty of Pharmacy, UI and other places
35. Mentorship: Has mentored, supervised and empowered several students and young researchers at various levels