The Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, has called on Nigerian Pharmacists to see one another as one cluster, stating that every branch of the profession is intertwined and none can be left out.

Prof. Babalola made this call on Tuesday while speaking on the topic, “Application of Pharmacokinetics in Clinical Situations,” at the Special Edition of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Pharmacy Department Clinical Meeting which took place via zoom and monitored by CEOAFRICA.

Babalola, a Professor of Pharmaceutical chemistry and Pharmacokinetics, mentioned that every drug discovery process contain Pharmacokinetics, which supports the fact that different arms of Pharmacy have one meeting point.

She noted that “A medicine taken must be liberated in the body,” adding that this is where Pharmacokinetics comes in. In all processes of drug breakdown other branches function as well.”

The Vice Chancellor further revealed that Pharmacokinetics explains how a drug is transported to different parts of the body where it performs a specific function after it is taken orally or intravenously.

“Pharmacokinetic is what the body does to the drug. It involves movement of drugs and the study of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs (ADME),” she said.

She emphasized the need for patients to desist self-medication, and encouraged Nigerians to get their drugs administered by medical practitioners,

Babalola explained that self-medication can lead to abuse of drugs, which is one of the root-causes of liver damage.

“The Liver is a primary route of drug metabolism; it converts pro-drugs (inactive) to an active state.” She said.

In her conclusion, the African Union laureate emphasized the importance of Pharmacokinetics, describing it as an important tool in Pharmaceutical care.

“Correct application of Pharmacokinetic can improve both the safety and efficacy of drugs.” She stressed.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the organizer of the program, Pharmacist Gbenro; the co-host, Dr. Bello Ibrahim; the moderator, Dr. Adeola Kola-Mustapha and other members of staff of the department.

She encouraged the organizer and the parties involved to keep up the good work because such feat is a much needed development in Nigeria.