The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has described the immediate past president of the organisation Pharmacist Prof. Cyril Odianose Usifoh as a transformational leader.
Pharmacists disclosed this after watching  the scorecard of his achievements as president during his tenure as the 38th President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) at the 97th National PSN conference held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state at the weekend.
According to members ,Pharmacist Prof. Usifoh made a lasting impact as the 38th President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). His tenure, marked by innovation and community-driven leadership, that propelled the organisation to new heights."
Elected during the 94th Annual National Conference in Port Harcourt in November 2021, Prof. Usifoh immediately demonstrated his commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession across Nigeria. His leadership, inspired by a vision of servant leadership and accountability, has left an indelible mark on the field."
According to the scorecard, shortly after his election, Prof. Usifoh organised a Special Retreat for the National Executive Council and stakeholders in December 2021, setting the tone for a progressive leadership style. Recognising the importance of collaboration with government institutions, he was appointed to the Presidential Healthcare Reform Committee in January 2022 by Nigeria’s Vice President. This role highlighted his commitment to healthcare reform and pharmacy’s central role within it.
Prof. Usifoh's dedication to community health was evident on February 14, 2022, when he inaugurated the Oba (Pharm.) Julius Ademola Ajibola Drug Information Centre at the General Hospital, Ilorin, alongside Kwara State’s Deputy Governor. This center provided crucial access to drug information, underscoring his dedication to community welfare.
One of Prof. Usifoh’s significant achievements involved transforming community pharmacies into Covid-19 vaccination centers. In collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), he led efforts to have community pharmacies formally recognized for primary care services. By May 2022, community pharmacies began administering Covid-19 vaccines, an achievement that expanded access to essential healthcare services across Nigeria Under Prof. Usifoh’s leadership, PSN successfully lobbied for the enactment of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022. This legislation, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2022, marked a milestone for regulatory reform and underscored the PSN's role in advocating for pharmacists' rights and responsibilities within healthcare. Additionally, PSN’s input into the Counterfeit Drug and Unwholesome Food Act underscored their commitment to public safety by working to ensure the integrity of Nigeria's drug supply.
 Prof. Usifoh’s tenure as PSN President also saw an emphasis on sustainable energy practices. The installation of solar panels at PSN’s National Secretariat in Lagos and Abuja in early 2023 reduced electricity costs, embodying his focus on financial and environmental responsibility. In July 2024, he further improved these systems with 15KVa lithium batteries, a step that streamlined operational efficiency.
To support the PSN’s growing membership and provide valuable training opportunities, Prof. Usifoh oversaw the establishment of the National Secretariat as an internship center, welcoming its first batch of interns in August 2024. Additionally, he led the acquisition of two properties in Lagos to strengthen PSN’s asset base and generate revenue, displaying foresight in organizational development.
In a testament to his strategic foresight, Prof. Usifoh established the Centenary Committee in October 2023, preparing PSN to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. He also launched the Presidential Mentorship Programme in August 2023 to cultivate future leaders within the pharmacy profession, ensuring a legacy of skilled and passionate successors.
As his term came to a close, Prof. Usifoh inaugurated a state-of-the-art digital PSN Hall and Presidential Office, a testament to his dedication to organizational excellence. These facilities provide modern spaces for hybrid meetings and leadership functions, demonstrating his commitment to innovation in professional settings.