Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University Abeokuta, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola has described Academic Pharmacy is a fulfilling subdivision of the Pharmacy profession. Prof. Babalola who is also the first female pharmacist professor of the University of Ibadan made this known while delivering a keynote lecture at the National Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students held recently at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

According to her, “Whether it’s teaching, researching, practising or a mix of all three, Academic pharmacists enjoy exciting careers in universities, research institutes and other organisations throughout the world.

“Academic Pharmacists are like farmers who sow and sow and wait and wait to reap the harvest. They rejoice at their harvest like the farmer does. It is fulfilling.”

She added that Pharmacists are found practicing their beloved profession in the various areas like the Academic Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy – (specialties – paediatric, surgery, oncology, gynaecology. Nutrition etc), Community pharmacy, Hospital pharmacy – specialties, Industrial pharmacy, Military pharmacists, Pharmacists in GP practices, Pharmacists working in care homes, Pharmacists working in urgent & emergency care, Primary care pharmacy, Regulatory affairs, Veterinary pharmacy, Social Pharmacy, Public Health Pharmacy, Administrative pharmacy and so on.

Speaking on the roles of Academic Pharmacists, she said, “Academic Pharmacists educate, train, assess and develop pharmacy students, pre-registration trainees, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. They will use and apply pharmacy knowledge and expertise to teach the next generation of pharmacists through a variety of teaching methods.

“Working alongside the wider educational team, they update the degree programme and develop learning material to reflect changes in education and practice. Academics also offer general support to students and are often viewed as role models and mentors.

“Academic Pharmacists (APs) are also thought of as researchers, as the role usually involves conducting some form of research, e.g. in a science based area of practice, drug design or pharmacy services. They collect evidence, analyse it and use this data to make improvements to medicines and patient’s health. They are regarded as experts in their field of research and specialization. APs publish their researches as papers, appear at conferences, inspire young people through their teaching, and even external examining.”

According to her, Academic Pharmacists not only have highly regarded customary roles as lecturers and professors, some may decide to pursue senior management positions within the university and become heads of departments and schools.

Others may choose to act as consultants and senior advisors for local, regional, national, and international organisations and institutions, as well as governmental bodies.

Often they are at the cutting edge of the profession and are instrumental in influencing pharmacy development, policy, and practice.

She also disclosed the various benefits that can be derived in Academic Pharmacy. Some of which include: Grants, opportunities to pass on legacies – through publications, books, etc, mentoring, intellectual property– through research, awards and recognitions, and so on.