NIPRD Makes Progress in Research, Staff Welfare, and Public Health

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has reported progress in research, staff welfare, infrastructure, and public health under Acting Director-General Philip Builders.

In a statement released on Friday, the institute pointed out improvements in staff welfare, restoration of basic facilities, efforts to boost research funding and manage intellectual property, and its recent response to the Ebola outbreak.

"His administration is committed to strengthening the Institute’s capacity to fulfil its mandate and contribute to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical development, scientific innovation, and improved healthcare outcomes," the statement said.

One key action from the administration was forming an Ebola Response Team, led by Peters Oladisu, who is the Director of the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology.

NIPRD also provided 17 cartons of hand sanitiser gel and 2,000 educational posters about Ebola symptoms and prevention to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

This intervention is part of the institute’s effort to raise public awareness and prevent health threats.

Staff Welfare

NIPRD highlighted staff welfare improvements as part of the changes under Builders’ leadership.

The institute conducted its 2025 staff promotion exercise and settled outstanding staff claims.

It also cleared salary arrears owed to security personnel, cleaners, and gardeners.

Beyond staff-related matters, the institute restored electricity and water supply, which it said is crucial for creating a better environment for research and other activities.

Research and Innovation

NIPRD is also working on improving its research and innovation framework by restructuring its Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office and Grant Office.

An Office for Strategic Partnerships and Commercialisation has been set up, led by Adeola Jegede, a scientist experienced in policy, monitoring, and evaluation.

This office aims to create partnerships, attract research opportunities, and help commercialise products developed from the institute's research.

One notable achievement is Isaac Ajeh, a scientist at the institute, who won a NASENI Innovation Grant for his work on turning plantain peels into pharmaceutical products.

The project looks at how to convert agricultural waste into useful pharmaceutical items, showing the link between local research, healthcare, and sustainable innovation.

NIPRD is also boosting its digital capacity with upgrades to its NCC Centre, computer-based testing facilities, and other ICT infrastructure.

The institute mentioned these facilities will support computer-based exams, digital research, and technology-driven learning, while also providing ICT access for schools in nearby communities.

Additionally, the administration has helped researchers attend national and international training programmes, which aim to expose them to 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 statement concluded.