(A testament to Grace, Resilience, Commitment and Divine Assistance).
DR. ADEOLA JEGEDE, (Bsc; MSc; F.I.M.S Dip.; IMS; PhD).
Dr. Ibikunle Adeola Jegede is the current Head, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Office of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer and also the Coordinator, Office of Strategic Partnership and Commercialization (OSPC) at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), F.C.T. Abuja, Nigeria. He has by dint of grace, hard-work and determination etched his name in the scholarly sand of time. This unassuming gentleman who has recorded immense contributions in national, regional and global scientific knowledge platforms has become a highly sought after expert in many areas of endeavours. His contributions in the areas of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Drug Development, Pharmacognosy (Medicinal Plant Research), Implementation Research, Institutional Quality Management System development, Performance Management, Development of institutional, sector and nation Monitoring and Evaluation systems, Project Management and Consultancy services and others are far reaching and have been cited by many.
Dr. Jegede was born on 31st January 1971 to the family of Mr. Michael Owoeye Jegede (late) and Mrs. Esther Yemi Jegede that hails from Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti state, Nigeria. This erudite researcher and administrator commenced his educational journey at the United Missionary College (UMC) Primary School, Ibadan from 1976-1982 where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate, before proceeding to Olubi Memorial Grammar School, Ibadan from 1983-1987, where he earned his West African School Leaving Certificate.
After his formative and secondary education, the young vivacious and visionary scholar went on to Nigeria’s premier University, the University of Ibadan (UI), where he bagged a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Botany (1994) and capped his educational sojourn at the prestigious University of Ibadan with an M.Sc. degree in Pharmacognosy in the year 1996. Dr. Jegede had his National Youth Service Corpss, (NYSC) in Ankpa Local Government of Kogi State, Nigeria in 1995.
Not resting on his academic oars, Dr. Adeola Jegede reached the acme of his educational pursuit with his attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Pharmacognosy from the Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicines, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka in July 2026,under the quality supervision of Prof. Uchenna Odoh. This PhD journey took several decades, across various universities, albeit riding on the wings of Grace, dint of hard work, perseverance amidst personal and career challenges, with support of God sent individuals including Prof. Martins Emeje, the purposeful Dr. Jegede was able to achieve this academic zenith.
Dr. Jegede’s career started in 1997 with his engagement as a Sales Representative with Jawa Pharmaceuticals Nigerian Ltd, Lagos from 1997 to 1998. He was among the first set of Sales Representatives trained by the company when they debut in Nigeria. Dr. Jegede’s career took a new turn, when in July 1998 he got appointed as a Research Fellow in the Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine at the prestigious National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja. Between 2006-Feb 2009, Dr. Jegede was a Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri working along and assisting Prof. K.S Gamaniel (OON) in the establishment and nurturing of the incipient school of Pharmacy. A relationship that will later define his career path, future achievements and administrative journey.
Dr. Jegede stepped-up to greater responsibility with his appointment as Special Assistant and later Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, NIPRD between July 2010-2018. During this appointment, his innovative and administrative dexterity came to bear and became full blown as he led innovative system development strides for the benefit of the Institute. Key among the numerous achievements included his coordination and development of proposals that won NIPRD Center of Excellence for R and D under WHO/TDR sponsored Africa Networks for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) which was the first of its kind in the Institute; development and institutionalization of Quality Management System (QMS) including Institute-wide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP);development of NIPRD first ever institute wide Laboratory note books, establishment and institutionalization of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation system amongst others.
The robust contributions of Dr. Jegede got to a crescendo with in 2015 when he was assigned a leading administrative role as Head of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in the Office of DG/CEO NIPRD, while also serving as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and later Project Manager of the World Bank STEP- B project where he was exposed to the rudiments of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and Project Management at a large scale. With this, he was able to set-up a full-fledged Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in NIPRD and was appointed as the pioneer head of the Unit, with the approval of then Honourable Minister of Health.
Dr. Jegede is a member of the following professional bodies: Botanical Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy (where he was once the Vice President); Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene; London, U.K; Member West African Society of Pharmacology; member Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE), where he supported the association (Probono) to develop its first 5-year strategic plan which is a guiding document for the Associations’ activities and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Specialists, UK.
Dr. Jegede’s career roles, awards and recognitions include Honorable Member, House of Assembly Sultan Bello Hall, University of Ibadan. (1990) ; Public Relations Officer, National Association of Botany Students, University of Ibadan (1990);Best Graduating Student, (Post Graduate), Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan (1997);Secretary, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Research Institute Sector (ASURI), NIPRD Branch (2001–2004) and later its Chairman; Deputy Secretary, Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy (2002-2008);: Coordinating Secretary Research Fellows Forum, NIPRD Abuja (2003-2007); Secretary Men’s Fellowship Rhema Chapel International Churches, Abuja (2002-2006); Head of Music Department Rhema Chapel International Churches Abuja (2002–2008:); MPR&TM Departmental Seminar Co-ordinator (2003-2006); Member Junior Staff Promotions Committee, NIPRD, Abuja (2004-2008); Chairman Welfare Committee MPR&TM Dept. NIPRD (2005-2009).
In 2008 he received the Certificate of Recognition as the Foremost Developer of the Faculty from the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, (University of Maiduguri Chapter) for the year 2007/2008; Chairman Academic Staff Union of Universities, Research Institute Sector (ASURI), NIPRD Branch (2008 – 2010) ; Vice-President Nigerian Society of Pharmacognosy (2010 – 2015); Deputy Chairman Board of HODs Rhema Chapel International Churches Abuja (2012 – 2014); M and E Officer of World Bank STEP B P project at NIPRD; Appointed to serve on NIPRD’s Exhibition Team as Coordinator on 15th January 2011to 2018; Appointed to serve on the NIPRD/STEB-B Project Management Team as Project Manager on 28th August 2012; and Deacon-In-charge of Training, Rhema Chapel International Churches, Abuja; 2014 till date; appointed to serve in the Secretariat of NIPRD’s Governing Board on 6th November 2014 till 2018; appointed to serve as a Member of the NIPRD Procurement Planning Committee (PPC) on 20th May 2014 till date ; appointed to serve as a Member of the NIPRD Research and Development (R&D) Committee on 6th May 2014 to 2018.
He is a recipient of Letter of Commendation for efforts as a member of the Secretarial committee during the Commissioning of NIPRD’s new Administrative Complex 14th March 2015 by former President Ebele Jonathan; he was appointed to represent NIPRD at the International Bilateral Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health 7th November 2014 and appointed in 2015 as substantive Head of the Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, NIPRD ; recipient special commendation letter by the DG/CEO for immense efforts for laying the foundation towards NIPRD’s receipt of the QMS Certification on 31st May 2016 (1st of its kind in the Federal Ministry of Health) and in 2019 was appointed Chairman Board of Deacons Rhema Chapel International Churches Abuja.
Additional responsibilities from 2019 till date include, member Nigerian Health Sector Monitoring and Evaluation; TWG; Nigerian Health Sector National Quality of Care TWG Nigerian Health sector; Nigerian Health sector NSHDP II Joint Annual Review/Medium Term Review TWG; Chair Research and Learning sub committee of the Nigerian health sector SWAP M and E TWG; Co-Chair Research, Case studies and Surveillance of the Non-communicable Diseases Technical Working Group.
In the course of his career, Dr. Adeola Jegede has acquired other professional capacity, skills and certifications including Professional Development Course in Fundamentals of Implementation Science from University of Washington December (2021); a 2-week course on Advanced Management Course at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, (ASCON)Topo, Badagry from 15th to 26th November (2021); a Professional Development Course in Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health from University of Washington March (2021); a 2–week Advanced Regional Training Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Health Programmes Organized by Department of Community Medicine Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, (1st to 12th August 2016); Training on Contemporary Best Practices in Project Impact Sustenance organized by Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services Limited in Johannesburg, South Africa (18th – 22nd March 2013); Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation Systems organized by Southern Hemisphere in Cape Town, South Africa (16th- 18th March 2010); Intensive Training Workshop on Quality Management Systems organized by NIPRD Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, Nigeria 2nd – 6th August 2010 and capacity building course on Effective Project Planning and Evaluation in health research organized by WHO/TDR special programme for research and training in tropical diseases (2nd – 6th June, 2008).
While serving as the only Special Assistant and later as Senior Special Assistant to Prof K.S Gamaliel (OON), former Director General / Chief Executive Officer of NIPRD, Dr Adeola Jegede pioneered many institutional legacy projects, initiatives and innovation towards making NIPRD to truly become a center of excellence in Pharmaceutical Research and Development. With this appointment, he took a break from his core discipline as a Research Fellow to contribute towards the advancement of NIPRD in a new role by plunging himself into his new assignment at personal and career cost. He worked assiduously laying the foundation for the success of many initiatives being enjoyed by the Institute today. Dr. Jegede is an innovative, resourceful, and dependable official, with a focused mind set on agreed goals. He worked well as a team leader and a member, initiating novel ideas and initiatives in the Institute, while ensuring agreed targets were met. Some of the remarkable innovations he has contributed towards at NIPRD include:
COORDINATION OF DEVELOPMENT OF NIPRD’s INSTITUTE WIDE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP): He initiated the development and coordination of the Institute-wide Standard Operating Procedure, (SOP) for the first time. This document is the foundation of any internationally recognized Research Institute as it defines your activities and reproducibility of your results. Today, NIPRD has a well-documented SOP of international standard that has been acknowledged by our national and international collaborators, laying the foundation for the Quality Management System (QMS) team to update later when it was formed and thus making NIPRD a centre of excellence.
DEVELOPMENT OF NIPRD’s LABORATORY NOTEBOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2010
Dr. Adeola Jegede then without a PhD pioneered, for the first time the development of NIPRD Laboratory notebook which is the only evidence-based document of our research data to relevant organisations. This he first did as the Manager of the STEP B Project Manager and then replicated an Institute wide version as SA to DG NIPRD. He did the first draft looking at various national and international examples, worked with HODs and Professors to ensure ownership and finally coming up with an acceptable lab notebook, which was a first for the institute. He had then worked with the QMS team to update it along with the ISO requirements. This along with other capacity building efforts he coordinated led to NIPRD attaining the ISO certifications.
c. INITIATION AND COORDINATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIPRD QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BEFORE APPOINTMENT OF MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE: The then DG/CEO Prof K.S Gamaniel (OON) saddled Dr. Jegede with this responsibility, and he started immediately initiating collaborative visits to the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, inviting them to NIPRD for feasibility discussions. He initiated and coordinated the first and series of training of NIPRD staff by SON and Dr. Sune (an international QMS Expert). He is also a member of the NIPRD QMS Team as he passed the auditors course in 2013 and the transition course in 2015. There are very few institutions certified for QMS in Nigeria and NIPRD was the only health research institute so certified. NIPRD eventually became ISO Certified in 2015. This is a sign of Institutional quality and another first for NIPRD.
d. ANDi AWARD OF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN PHYTOMEDICINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND AWARD OF RESEARCH GRANT TO DEVELOP CO FORMULATION OF NIPRISAN BY AFRICAN NETWORK FOR DRUG DISCOVERY INNOVATION AND DIAGNOSTICS (www.andi-africa.org ): This is an initiative and award that has put NIPRD on the World Map. On the announcement of the call to NIPRD and upon the former DG‘s instruction, he initiated various meetings including management meetings for NIPRD to apply for the award. He followed up the collation of information from different departments, groups and persons to ensure NIPRD submits a worthy proposal. Dr. Adeola Jegede initiated and coordinated the whole process going to office even on Sundays to ensure a worthy submission was made. He equally followed up with corrections and correspondence on the application. That singular effort among others led to NIPRD to being among the first set of Africa Institutions to be given the award. This is the first and only Research focused certificated award for NIPRD that has yielded so much benefit for the Institute. The Africa wide award was very competitive and only three of such centres were in Nigeria. He also coordinated another team that submitted another research grant proposal to ANDi for funding. As we speak ANDi had funded NIPRD on a research project and at its last meeting in Kenya gave NIPRD among the seven in Africa another grant award for research. ANDi has fully and in part sponsored over twenty of our Research Scientists to its international conferences in different parts of Africa, exposing them to other scientists from all over the globe. Thus, establishing collaborations and partnerships. Dr. Jegede had consistently coordinated the travelling of the NIPRD team to all the ANDi scientific conferences since inception while also presenting papers.
e. DEVELOPMENT, SUBMISSION AND WINNING WORK BANK OF STEP B PROJECT PROPOSAL BY NIPRD: Dr Adeola Jegede was part of the group of young Researchers then in NIPRD that were challenged by Prof. O.O Kunle to write a proposal to STEP B as an output of a training sponsored by NIPRD. The team was called G11 then and he provided the funding as Chairman of ASURI to buy the material and flash drive used for developing and submission of the grant proposal. He was a member of the three-man coordinating group for the development and eventual submission of the STEP B proposal and followed up afterwards with the guidance of Prof. O.O Kunle. These efforts among others eventually led to NIPRD for the first time winning the research grant developed by middle level Research Fellows. He was the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the project and later became the Project Manager after reorganization of the project Management team. He worked with other members to ensure the purchase of several state-of-the-art scientific equipment to ALL technical departments in the Institute, including the 800KVA generator which for the first time could power all parts of NIPRD. He also coordinated the training staff project members both locally and abroad, hosting of a national stakeholders’ forum with TMPs which the Institute is very proud of, organization of an international training in Pharmacokinetic for the first time in NIPRD among other achievements.
f. INITIATION AND COORDINATION OF THE FIRST EVER SWOT ANALYSIS ON NIPRD BY A CONSULTANT: To determine the strength, weakness, threats and opportunities of NIPRD for institutional reform, refocusing and decision-making, a SWOT analysis document was most valuable. He initiated and co-ordinated this with the assistance of a consultant commissioned by ENABLE project of DFID. The result of which was presented to the Board headed by Phar. Stella Okoli and the document served as the baseline for their efforts to revitalize the Institute and determination of where the focus should be. This was also another first.
i. HOSTING OF THE FIRST NIPRD /PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY BUSINESS SUMMIT IN LAGOS Realizing the need for commercialization of the R and D results of NIPRD, Dr. Adeola Jegede through a contact with the ENABLE project of the DFID, initiated and organised the first NIPRD Pharma Industry Summit in Lagos in June 2013, where formal discussions with the Nigerian Pharma Industry was held towards effective commercialization of NIPRD R and D activities and knowing the challenges of the Pharma Industry which NIPRD could respond to. The event held in Lagos was sponsored by the ENABLE Project. The MOU to be signed with Neimeth Pharmaceuticals to take up the commercialization of our antimalarial phytomedicine is one of the out puts of the summit. This is also another first.
j. ESTABLISHMENT AND INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION UNIT AND SYSTEM IN NIPRD:This is one of the legacy initiatives that Dr.. Adeola Jegede will leave behind when ever he exits the Institute. Using the experience, he gained as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer under the STEP B project sponsored by World Bank, he translated this for the benefit of the Institute where he chaired a committee leading to regular updates from departments and establishing monitoring and evaluation practise and culture eventually leading to the establishment of the Planning cell and Monitoring and Evaluation unit of which he is the first and current head. The unit prepares and submits reports at TMC meeting and developed the Staff Performance Evaluation form (SPAR) which is a self- performance assessment tool, for staff- first in the Institute. The Unit also prepares and submits NIPRD reports to the ministry of health and National Planning Commission. Various questionnaires were also developed to get necessary feedbacks to management for improved job and management performance. A lot of staff reports and feedback through development of questionnaire had been generated which has helped in shaping the focus of the Institute and having required feedback for management decision. He started the development of Annual Operational Plans which is a bottom-up approach in planning since 2012. This is the first time NIPRD was developing annual operational plans with bottom-up approach to its review and reporting. This has made work alignment and reporting better among departments including peer review. Also another first.
k. DEVELOPMENT OF NIPRD’s FIRST STRATEGIC PLAN (2011-2015): The development of strategic plan is the key to planning for success in any organization as it envisages the short, medium-and long-term activities of the Institution. Therefore, following the DG’s directive, he initiated and coordinated the development of this document for NIPRD. It can only get better from there onward for NIPRD. So much effort was put into the bottom-up approach to the development of the strategic plan. Also another first. He has over the years coordinated the development of the 2nd Strategic Plan sponsored by WHO and currently working on developing the Third version.
l. ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH TEAMS TO ROUND UP NIPRD R and D “LOW FRUITS PROJECTS” TOWARDS LISTING WITH NAFDAC AND COMMERCIALIZATION: This refocused NIPRD R and D activities and these efforts along with that of Research Teams headed by Professors led NIPRD to developing drug master files on our R and D products which is awaiting final approval of our DMU facilities. He also initiated through a memo to the DG the establishment of a Research Grant scheme which has led to NIPRD Research grants being awarded to three Research Fellows. These are some of the ingenuities of Dr Adeola Jegede at NIPRD.
m. DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIPRD COMPENDIUM: One of the legacies of NIPRD will be a compendium of its research activities and with the idea and coordination by Dr Adeola Jegede, NIPRD has produced and circulated to the research staff the first edition (1990- 2008) and he is also worked to produce the second volume (2009 – 2016). A committee was set up to develop the third one after observing the benefits of what he initiated with a staff of his unit representing him on the committee. All these documents are available on NIPRD website.
n. INSTITUTE AND NATIONAL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMEN
i. Representative of the DG at the DAC of departments including the DG office since 2013 till 2018
ii. Secretary NIPRD Appraisal Committee for the promotion of Directorate and Professorship Cadre (2013-2015 promotion exercises). This effort led to the promotion of 3 NIPRD staff to the position of Directors in 2015 for the first time.
iii. Member Secretariat of the Governing Board of NIPRD.
iv Chairman of the NIPRD’s Exhibition Committee from 2011 till date.
v. Member NIPRD task force on the relocation to the new lab complex
vi. Member New Laboratory Commissioning committee where he received a commendation letter in 2014
vii. Member Technical Working Group on control of Ebola Virus Disease, FMOH in 2015
viii Administrative coordinator of DG/CEO (Jan. 2017)
ix. Coordinator of the committee on establishment for QMS 2011
x. Member NIPRD Quality Management Team (where he received a commendation letter)
xi. Secretary and Member of NIPRD Research and Development Programme Committee 2010–2014 where he coordinated the committee meetings
xii. Member Research and Development Programme Committee
xiii. Member NIPRD Procurement Planning Committee 2014, 2015, 2016 till date
xiv. Member Appointment and Promotion Committee Representing the DG
In the ecosystem of Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic/Annual Operational plans development including evaluation studies and performance management, Dr Adeola Jegede is a health sector and national asset. His work experience includes initiator and coordinator of development process for the 1st and 2nd 5 – year (2010-2015, and 2021 – 2025) strategic plans for National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, including the mid term review and end term review using online implementation reporting tools. He approached the World Health Organisation to provide technical and financial support for the development process via a costed concept note and this was approved for the institute; initiator and coordinator of the development and implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation Plan of the 2nd Strategic Plan for NIPRD. (first of its kind in the Institute); initiator and coordinator development process for the 1st 5 – year (2011-2015) strategic plan for NIPRD; Reviewer and contributor to Development of Monitoring and Evaluation framework for Nigerian Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) 2015 – 2019; Member Technical Working Group for the development of the National Health Research policy (2014). Member Technical Working Group of operationalization of the National Health Act under the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. 2021; Planning Consultant for development of Bayelsa state Health Development Plan (BSHDP II (2017/2018); Consultant for development of Health sector 2019 Annual Operational plans for Adamawa and Gombe States supported by WHO among others.
Dr. Jegede was equally involved in engagements of various stakeholders in the health sector including World Bank (STEP B Project in NIPRD), USAID; WHO/TDR through the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostic Innovation (ANDi), WHO , DFID (ENABLE project), CSOs (National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners, NANTMP)
His training and facilitation efforts include as the technical lead resource person at the NASENI’s Planning and Policy Analysis (PPA) Department’s system wide training workshop held from September 28th -30th 2026; Resource person on “Record Keeping and Documentation” at the Capacity Building Workshop for Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Nigeria organized by NIPRD Abuja: 7th – 8th December 2021; Resource Person for Training of Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) RS7HQ Abuja Command towards improving productivity through understanding of the 80/20 Principle 2020; Lead Training Session on Operational Development for improved workplace performance at the NPHCDA Department of Advocacy and Communications Department Capacity building Workshop, Suleja , Niger State, 2017; Co-Facilitator at Human Capital Development and Capacity Building Workshop for Senior Management and Technical Staff of NIPRD organized by NIPRD Federal Ministry of Health in Minna, Nigeria, 2010; Team lead at the Training on Effective Leadership for Newly Appointed Leaders organized by Rhema Chapel Int’l Churches in Abuja, on 24th May 2014; Presenter and Facilitator at the National Democratic Institute (USA) sponsored traditional medicine and HIV/AIDs policy retreat focusing on Implications for Nigeria (a review of the traditional medicine bill and NACCA bill of the senate committee on health, Reiz hotel, Abuja, June 20-22, 2006.
His current focus is on Transitioning to online / digital tracking systems for implementation of operational and strategic plans and policies in M and E; building capacity of health sector M and E officers in Operational / Implementation studies towards improved performance management; building capacity of various role players in the M and E system for reporting towards decision making; ensuring optimal implementation of relevant Strategic and Operational Plans and development of standardized Phytomedicines for management of endemic diseases as Pharmacognosist and medicinal plant researcher.
Dr. Jegede currently has over 40 research outputs including a book chapter to his credit, and he has continued to contribute to the body of knowledge and the development of systems in various spheres by mentoring younger generations and serving in different roles.
The above piece was first published in The Pinnacle Times edition of today’s Tuesday 13 October, 2026
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