Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, is hosting the 24th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), tagged “Gloryland 2026.”
The conference, themed “Advancing Pharmaceutical Education and Research for Sustainable Health Systems in a Changing World,” brings together academics, pharmacists, researchers and other stakeholders to examine emerging issues in pharmaceutical education, research and healthcare delivery. The opening ceremony was held on August 17, 2026, at Emily Hall, Ayalla Hotel, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with many participants joining virtually. The Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen A. Agih, was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom.
In her welcome address, the National Chairman of NAPA, Prof. Catherine Stanley, expressed appreciation to the University for hosting the conference and described the theme as timely in view of rapid technological advancement, emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance and the growing demand for locally relevant healthcare solutions. She said the conference provides an opportunity to strengthen academic leadership and mentoring while promoting research that can be translated into practical healthcare solutions. She also appreciated the speakers, sponsors and partners, particularly the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), and commended the Local Organising Committee for its efforts in putting the conference together.
Briefly speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the event, Prof. Humphrey Ogoni, welcomed participants and commended NAPA for bringing academics and professionals together to discuss issues shaping the future of pharmaceutical education and research. He encouraged participants to make meaningful contributions to the scientific sessions and take advantage of the opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The keynote address was delivered virtually by Prof. Noel Nen’Man-Ndalbeh Wannang, who challenged academic pharmacists to rethink the approach to pharmaceutical education and research. He called for a shift from content to competence, memorisation to critical thinking, passive to active learning, teacher-centred to learner-centred education, theory to application and examination success to lifelong value creation.
Prof. Wannang also challenged researchers to look beyond the culture of “publish or perish” and ask a fundamental question: “What problem did your research solve?” He urged academics to focus their research on practical Nigerian challenges, including medicine availability, counterfeit medicines, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, mental health, digital health and medicinal plant research. He further advocated a stronger role for pharmacists in health policy, leadership, technology and healthcare decision-making.
Also speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Bonsome Bokolo, President of Bokolo MDK Group, called for greater collaboration between universities, industry, regulators and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasised the need for research to move beyond publications into products and solutions capable of addressing healthcare challenges.
Dr. Bokolo further advocated curriculum modernisation, increased research funding, shared laboratories, stronger industry partnerships, pharmaceutical manufacturing and improved market access. He urged pharmacists and academic institutions to take greater ownership of the pharmaceutical value chain, from discovery to production and patient impact.
The conference, which continues from August 17 to 20, focuses on two major sub-themes: “Transformative Academic Leadership and Mentoring in Pharmacy Education” and “Translational Pharmaceutical Research and Indigenous Knowledge: From Natural Products to Novel Therapeutics.” The discussions are expected to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation and generate practical recommendations for advancing pharmaceutical education, research and sustainable healthcare delivery in Nigeria
