The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) in Nigeria has announced significant progress in various areas under the leadership of its Acting Director-General, Philip Builders. The institute's recent statement highlights improvements in staff welfare, restoration of basic infrastructure, efforts to strengthen research funding and intellectual property management, and its response to the Ebola outbreak. These reforms aim to enhance the Institute's capacity to fulfil its mandate and contribute to Nigeria's pharmaceutical development, scientific innovation, and improved healthcare outcomes.
One of the notable interventions by NIPRD has been the constitution of an Ebola Response Team, headed by Peters Oladisu, Director of the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology. The team played a crucial role in the institute's response to the Ebola outbreak. Additionally, NIPRD supplied 17 cartons of hand sanitiser gel and 2,000 educational posters on Ebola symptoms and preventive measures to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This intervention is part of the institute's contribution to public awareness and prevention of emerging health threats.
NIPRD has also cited improvements in staff welfare as part of the changes under Mr. Builders' leadership. The institute conducted its 2025 staff promotion exercise and addressed outstanding staff claims. Furthermore, it settled salary arrears owed to security personnel, cleaners, and gardeners. These measures have contributed to a more conducive environment for research and other activities. The restoration of electricity and water supply, critical to the institute's operations, has also been achieved.
In the area of research and innovation, NIPRD is strengthening its ecosystem by restructuring its Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office and Grant Office. An Office for Strategic Partnerships and Commercialisation has been established, headed by Adeola Jegede, a scientist with experience in policy, monitoring, and evaluation. This office is expected to facilitate partnerships, attract research opportunities, and support the commercialisation of products developed from research carried out by the institute.
A notable example of the institute's research efforts is the success of its scientist, Isaac Ajeh, who won a NASENI Innovation Grant for research into converting plantain peels into pharmaceutical products. The project seeks to explore how agricultural waste can be transformed into useful pharmaceutical products, highlighting the potential intersection between local research, healthcare, and sustainable innovation. This initiative demonstrates NIPRD's commitment to translating research into practical solutions.
NIPRD is also expanding its digital capacity through upgrades to its NCC Centre, computer-based testing facilities, and other information and communication technology infrastructure. These facilities will support computer-based examinations, digital research, and technology-driven learning, while providing access to ICT facilities for schools in surrounding communities. The administration has also supported researchers to participate in national and international training programmes, which will expose them to global best practices and strengthen scientific collaboration.
Under Professor Builders' leadership, NIPRD continues to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening local pharmaceutical production, translating research into practical solutions, and improving Nigeria's healthcare capacity. The institute's progress in research, staff welfare, infrastructure, and public health interventions demonstrates its commitment to contributing to Nigeria's pharmaceutical development and improved healthcare outcomes. Key initiatives will likely continue to drive growth and innovation in the sector.
Key points
- NIPRD has made significant progress in staff welfare, research, and public health interventions under the leadership of Philip Builders.
- The institute has strengthened its research and innovation ecosystem through restructuring and new office establishments.
- NIPRD's initiatives aim to improve Nigeria's healthcare capacity and pharmaceutical development.
