Chioma Umeha
LAGOS – The Federal Government has appointed Dr.
Obi Peter Adigwe as the new Director General/CEO for the National Institute for
Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja.
The appointment which takes immediate effect comes
eight months after the expiration of the tenure of the former Director General
of NIPRD, Prof. Gamaliel Karniyus.
DAILY INDEPENDENT findings revealed that Adigwe’s
approval by the Presidency followed his emergence as top scorer in a merit
driven rigorous and comprehensive interview processes organised by the federal
government few months ago.
It was also learnt that the interview had in
attendance some of the best brains in Nigerian Pharmaceutical Research and
Development sector including, two renowned professors currently working at the
NIPRD.
Further investigations by DAILY INDEPENDENT showed
that Dr. Adigwe scored 80 points and was closely followed by two Professors
currently working at the NIPRD who scored 70 and 67 points respectively.
The letter of appointment of the new DG which
dated August 10, 2018, was signed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr.
Osagie Ehanire.
Prior to his appointment as DG NIPRD, Dr Adigwe
was Executive Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN),
where he played a key role in the development and implementation of policy
initiatives which made considerable impact on the industry.
Among his achievements in PMGMAN include the
prioritisation of the Pharma Industry in the 2016 Fiscal Policy, and
organisation of the landmark 2017 Pharma Expo.
He also made significant contributions to the
conceptualisation of the internationally renowned Medicines’ Security Concept.
Dr Adigwe was also the pioneer Head of the Health
Policy Research and Development (HPRD) Unit at the Nigerian National Assembly,
where he formulated research and development strategies in Health Policy as
well as developed innovative and contextual training, research and capacity
building modules.
He has a significant number of peer reviewed
publications including the first K.A.P. study on Ebola in Nigeria, as well as a
seminal paper on Rational Use of Medicines.
While in the United Kingdom, he had also
co-authored a write-up that influenced an epoch-making health policy reform in
the British Parliament.
Adigwe has undertaken many National assignments,
headed, as well as served on numerous committees and working groups at the
highest levels, such as the D8, UN, World Health Organisation, The African
Union and the ECOWAS.
He has won several academic honours including the
prestigious University of Leeds’ GRASS Post-Doctorate award.
The letter of appointment reads in part: “I write
to inform you that His Excellency, the Acting President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria has approved your appointment as Director General/Chief Executive
Officer of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development
(NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, for a term of four (4) years with effect from August 10,
2018.
“It is my expectation that you will not only work
to ensure that you drive the research for new pharmaceutical materials, but
endeavor to improve on present achievements and leave you mark of progress on
that institution.
“I also urge you to justify the confidence reposed
in you by the appointment and work with all stakeholders for industrial peace
and in support of Mr. President’s Change agenda.”
Meanwhile, some keen analysts of the sector in an
interview with DAILY INDEPENDENT said they are optimistic that the appointment
of Dr. Adigwe will move NIPRD to the next level, where it will become one of
the leading agencies that will generate huge revenue for the government.
