At a colourful ceremony on Thursday, March 6, 2025, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) formally unveiled the newly constructed building for the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development, and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS).
The significant event, which took place at the pent area of the new building situated along the University Medical Centre Road, marked a major milestone in the institution’s pursuit of advancing herbal medicine research and capacity building in Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the growth of herbal medicine and its regulation.
Her words: “ …Today is a day of thanksgiving. As such, we are not just opening a building today; we are opening a new chapter in the development of herbal medicine in Africa.”
Professor Ogunsola described that the Centre as a representation of the collective ambition of UNILAG to strengthen postgraduate training and applied research in drug discovery, which is pivotal to Africa’s sustainable development.
She lauded the new ACEDHARS building as a stunning architectural marvel and pointed out the strategic location of the building as “exemplifying what we, as a University, can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.”
The Vice-Chancellor took the opportunity to commend her predecessor, Professor Ogundipe, whose tenure was instrumental to securing the ACEDHARS project grant, and to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of the Centre’s Leader, Professor Bola Ade-Ademilua. She also expressed gratitude to sectoral partners whose contributions have been key to the Centre’s success.
In his short remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor O. T Ogundipe, praised Professor Ade-Ademilua for her “bulldozer-like” leadership style of navigating challenges with determination and ensuring the successful completion of the project.
The serving Pro-Chancellor of Redeemers University, Ede also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the support staff, whose dedication were critical to bringing the vision of ACEDHARS to life.
Earlier in her address, Centre Leader, Professor Ade-Ademilua expressed profound gratitude to Professor Ogunsola for her unwavering support of the Centre.
She also took the opportunity to reflect on the Centre’s journey, sharing milestones and achievements, and stressing the Centre’s commitment to building on its strong foundation in the years ahead.
She expressed gratitude for the visionary leadership of Professor Ogundipe, whose efforts laid the foundation “for what has today become a source of inspiration and pride for all”.
Prof. Ade-Ademilua highlighted several key features of the new building including the pent area which could serve as a good location for event hosting; dedicated production rooms for drug manufacturing; classrooms; high tech laboratories and a spacious hall designed to host events. She also emphasized the modern office spaces and state-of-the-art virtual learning studio, further enhancing the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge education and research.
The unveiling was accompanied by vibrant music, dance, and performances, bringing together faculty members, industry partners, and the wider university community in celebration.
During the event, several distinguished individuals were also recognized for their contributions to the Centre’s success. Awards were presented to Professor Ogunsola, Professor Ogundipe, and Professor Kemi Odukoya, the Pioneer Director of the Centre.
The African Center of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicines Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS) was established in 2019 to raise manpower in quality assurance, standardization of dosages, reproducibility of herbal preparations, drug development, drug repurposing and safety monitoring of drugs in the West and Central African region. Researches done in the Center are focused on the development and evaluation of herbal formulations into standard products for the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Third Mainland Bridge and lagoon, the Centre is poised to become a hub for research and innovation in herbal medicine.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
