Professor (Mrs.) Chinedum Peace Babalola is a distinguished Nigerian pharmacist, accomplished academic, groundbreaking researcher, visionary administrator, and trailblazer in pharmaceutical sciences and higher education. She is the Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, and the first female pharmacist to be appointed Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria.

A woman of remarkable intellect and faith, Professor Babalola has become a symbol of excellence, leadership, and integrity in academia, science, and public service.

Born into the family of Sir (Dr.) Isaac Ebere and the late Lady Adeline Anyabuike from Imo State, Nigeria, Professor Babalola’s pursuit of knowledge began at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU), where she obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) in 1983, Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in 1987, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Pharmacokinetics option) in 1997.

She later completed a pre-doctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (1994–1995), and obtained a Diploma in Advanced Industrial Pharmacy Training (IPAT) jointly awarded by the Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy, Tanzania, and Purdue University, USA.

She became a Registered Pharmacist in 1984 and a Registered Public Analyst (MIPAN) in 2001.

Professor Babalola began her academic career in 1985 at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, OAU, as a Junior Trainee Fellow. She transferred to the University of Ibadan in 1998 as a Senior Lecturer, rising through the ranks to become a full Professor in 2006. This historic promotion made her the first female Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan and the first female to deliver an inaugural lecture in the Faculty of Pharmacy (2011).

Between 2013 and 2017, she served two terms as the Seventh Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan—also the first female Dean in the Faculty’s history. Her tenure was marked by visionary reforms, including curriculum modernization after 18 years, the initiation of a purpose-built laboratory complex, renovation of the faculty library, improved student welfare, and introduction of the White Coat Ceremony and Faculty dress code.

She also served as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry (2003–2005, 2012–2013) and Director of the General Studies Programme (GSP), where she introduced the innovative course “Drugs and Mankind.” Her administrative acumen and leadership excellence led to her appointment as Coordinator of the Deans’ Forum of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) at its inception in 2014—a position she still holds.

With over 130 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, Professor Babalola’s research focuses on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacogenetics, and bioethics.

Her groundbreaking studies on drug disposition among Nigerians have influenced optimal drug therapy in African populations. She led pioneering research that reported the first pharmacogenetic study in sickle cell patients and healthy Nigerians, revealing critical genetic differences affecting drug metabolism.

Professor Babalola has also investigated interactions between antimalarials and antibiotics, advancing knowledge that supports rational dosage adjustments.

In 2011, she led a team of researchers that secured a MacArthur Foundation grant worth $1 million to establish the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development, and Production (CDDDP) at the University of Ibadan — the first of its kind in Africa. The Centre has since been recognized by NEPAD/African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) as one of eleven Regional Centres of Regulatory Excellence (RCOREs) in Africa.

The Centre runs Senate-approved programs — Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Discovery and Development (PDDD) and Master’s in Drug Development and Regulatory Pharmacy (MDDRP) — training the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and regulators.

Professor Babalola’s outstanding academic and professional record has earned her over 20 fellowships, grants, and awards from leading global institutions including the World Bank, DAAD (Germany), NIH (USA), MacArthur Foundation, UNIDO, and WHO.

She is the first female pharmacist to be inducted as Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS) in 2011 and Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS) in 2013 — both representing the highest levels of scientific distinction on the continent. She is a member of many international/national organisations such as ISSX, IATDM-CT, AORTIC, PSN, NAPA, ALPS, SCHAF, IPAN among others.

She is also a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm), and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm). In 2016, she was listed among Nigeria’s 10 Most Influential Women in Science, and in 2018, Silverbird Television recognized her among 16 Prominent Nigerian Women in Science and Research.

She has served as the only African member of the Strategy Working Group (SWG) of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and International Social Science Council (ISSC) — a global leadership appointment that reflects her international influence in shaping the future of science.

Beyond the laboratory and lecture hall, Professor Babalola is a woman of deep faith and purpose. She believes there is no dichotomy between the secular and the spiritual. She assists her husband, Venerable Collins Olufemi Babalola, a Minister of God in the Anglican Diocese of Ibadan, in various ministries, especially youth and women’s empowerment.

She loves music, worship, mentoring young people, and sharing her story to inspire others. The marriage is blessed with three wonderful children.

Her outstanding achievements include: First Female Pharmacist Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria (2017); First Female Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UI (2006); First Female Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, UI (2013–2017); First Female Pharmacist Professor at the University of Ibadan (2006); First Female Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (UI) (2012); First Female Pharmacist Fellow, African Academy of Science (FAAS) (2013); Coordinator, Deans’ Forum of PSN (2014–Date); Recipient, May & Baker Professional Service Award (2018) and Recipient, Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPS) Merit Award.

Through her life’s work, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola has demonstrated that science, leadership, faith, and humanity can coexist in perfect harmony. She continues to be a mentor to hundreds of pharmacists, researchers, and students in Nigeria and beyond — embodying the spirit of excellence that defines the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.