Prof. Chimezie Anyakora: A Trailblazer in Nigeria’s Public Health – Chief Original Gangstar 

Ever since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great need for Nigeria to make significant improvements to public health and pharmaceutical excellence. To this effect, there have been a few “heroes” working behind the scenes to make healthcare better in Nigeria; just like the heroes who sacrificed their lives to save others during the COVID-19 era. Within this group, one name stands out like a beacon of hope, guiding the way towards a healthier Nigeria and a brighter Africa. In today’s issue of Chief Original Gangstar, our COG is  Professor Chimezie Anyakora, the CEO of Bloom Public Health, and a distinguished visionary who has dedicated his life to advancing healthcare, bridging the gap, and creating a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all. In this issue, we will be uncovering the tireless efforts he has put in to redefine healthcare, quality assurance, and pharmaceuticals in Nigeria.

A Journey of Excellence

Prof. Chimezie Anyakora’s journey to becoming a healthcare luminary began with a strong academic foundation. Armed with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, he embarked on a teaching career at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lagos, where he imparted knowledge and nurtured future pharmaceutical leaders for over a decade.

His journey didn’t stop at academia; it extended into the realms of public health and medicine quality research. With a passion for knowledge and a commitment to excellence, he supervised numerous PhD students and authored numerous papers in his field. His dedication and expertise earned him accolades, including being named the University of Lagos Researcher of the Year in 2009.

A Trailblazer in Public Health

Prof. Anyakora’s influence transcends the classroom. He played a pivotal role in shaping public health policies and standards in Nigeria. His involvement with the Global Health Impact Program allowed him to work on public health projects across various African countries, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare systems.

One of his remarkable achievements was the ISO Accreditation of five government Drug and Vaccine laboratories in Nigeria. Under his leadership, a team of technical experts supported the Federal Government of Nigeria in implementing laboratory quality management systems. This endeavour led to ISO 17025 accreditation for four labs in the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and one in the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

Pioneering Quality in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Prof. Anyakora’s commitment to raising the bar in pharmaceutical manufacturing is evident through the GMP Roadmap for the Nigerian Pharma Industry. He spearheaded this transformative project, conducting thorough audits of pharmaceutical manufacturers and developing plans to address identified gaps. The ultimate goal was to enhance the quality of local manufacturing and position Nigeria as a leader in pharmaceutical production across Africa.

He also played a pivotal role in developing and adopting the Nigerian Quality Assurance policy, a critical step in establishing a robust quality assurance framework in the country. His contributions led to the adoption of the policy by the National Council on Health, laying the foundation for a higher standard of healthcare in Nigeria.

Empowering Future Leaders

Prof. Anyakora’s impact extends beyond policies and laboratories. He recognised the importance of education in sustaining quality assurance systems and led the effort to update the Pharmaceutical Quality System curriculum. This initiative ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving healthcare industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

Prof. Chimezie Anyakora’s legacy is one of empowerment, transformation, and unwavering dedication to healthcare excellence. His work has not only improved the quality of healthcare and pharmaceuticals in Nigeria but also set a standard for the entire continent. His commitment to advancing healthcare in Africa continues through his leadership at Bloom Public Health.

Recently, he was honoured with an award of excellence for Good Governance by the Arewa Youth Advocacy, recognising his outstanding contributions to healthcare and youth development in Nigeria. Prof. Anyakora’s vision and leadership continue to inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals and set the stage for a healthier, more vibrant Africa.

As we celebrate the achievements of Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, we invite you to join the league of distinguished professionals passionate about advancing public health in Africa. His journey is a testament to the audacity of vision and the power of unwavering commitment to a brighter future for all.