TEXT OF ADDRESS DELIVERED FOR THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD), PROF. E. SMARANDA OLARINDE, FCArb, FCAI, AT THE PIONEER INDUCTION CEREMONY OF GRADUANDS OF DOCTOR OF PHARMACY. FRIDAY, 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2025 | 10:00 AM | ALFA BELGORE HALL

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OPENING

On behalf of the Founder, Chancellor, and President of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D (London), LL.D (UNILAG), LL.D (UI), D.Lit (NDA), FNIALS, FCIArb, FNSE; his amiable wife and Mother of the University, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, FFPA; the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, members of management, the dedicated academic and non-academic staff, our distinguished guests, the ever-committed leadership of College of Pharmacy, and most importantly, our proud inductees, to address you on this landmark occasion.

Today marks a truly historic milestone for us, as we proudly affirm our place as the only private institution in Nigeria, to the best of my knowledge, offering the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD.) degree. We are gathered here to celebrate the induction of 95 pioneer graduands- budding pharmacists poised to shape the future of healthcare- with 25 of them passing with distinction. This landmark achievement is a shining testament to the dynamic vision and unwavering commitment of our Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, whose dedication to excellence has birthed a world-class university, a true citadel of innovation, research, and transformative education.

I must also specially acknowledge the presence of our Keynote Speaker, and Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, whose leadership in safeguarding the nation’s drug and food safety continues to inspire excellence across the pharmaceutical landscape. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Chairman of the Occasion, Rev. Pharm. Ade Popoola, FPSN, CEO of Reals Pharmaceuticals, for his steadfast commitment to the advancement of pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

Like seeds nurtured in the fertile soil of ABUAD, you have blossomed under the careful tending of your lecturers and mentors, ably led by our Provost, Prof. (Mrs.) Mbang Femi-Oyewo, MFR. We are indeed very proud of our faculty and students.

TODAY’S OCCASION IS MORE THAN JUST AN INDUCTION

This induction, themed: “Navigating the Tides of Change in a Strained Healthcare System: Pharmacist as Compass to Quality Care”– is far more than a ceremonial rite; it is a consecration into one of the noblest callings known to humanity. In couple of minutes from now, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, FPSN, FPCPharm, FCAI will be administering the oath which is a testament to the successful years of study, examinations and your commitment to excellence.

The PCN is the compass that ensures every path in your journey where learning becomes practice and knowledge creates impact. It is the trellis that supports your growth upwards, towards the light of excellence. It is the standard of measurement that guarantees every formulation, every prescription, every counsel, is measured not just in fraction of milligrams, but in integrity and professionalism.

CHARGE TO THE INDUCTEES

Dear inductees, today you stand at the shoreline of a vast ocean. Behind you, the river of your studies flows hours of sleepless nights, examinations, clerkship and rotations. Before you, the ocean stretches: boundless, deep, and challenging.

As you wade in, remember that pharmacy is not just about compounding medicines; it is about compounding hope. It is not simply about dispensing drugs; it is about dispensing trust and wellness. The hand that measures a dosage must also measure compassion, guided by skill, discipline, and ethical conduct.

The world you are entering demands professionalism anchored on international best practices. In this age of transnational epidemics, counterfeit medications, and rapid pharmaceutical innovation, the pharmacist cannot afford parochial knowledge or ethical lapses. Uphold the values of diligence, accuracy, and empathy. Remain students of life: learning, relearning, and innovating.

On behalf of the University, I congratulate you, your families, and the College of Pharmacy. May your lives be like well-dispensed medicine: precise, effective, and life-affirming.

Go forth with courage. Remembering always the unconditional sacrifices of your parents and sponsors.

Never forget that you are Doctors of Pharmacy, carefully prepared by your alma mater, Afe Babalola University, to succeed and to break new ground in your profession.

Congratulations, and may God bless you all.