The Afe Babalola University at Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has begun the production of plant-based pharmaceutical products.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, announced the breakthrough in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while addressing reporters ahead of the 12th convocation ceremonies and 15th anniversary of the institution slated for October 21.

Olarinde said the institution had been able to locally develop three drugs, including Virucidine (an immune system booster syrup), Natucadine (anti-aging herbal supplement, and AB-Mal (anti-malaria capsule).

The vice chancellor noted that the efficacy of the drugs had been tested and their excellent results obtained.

She solicited for partners in the promotion and sales of the pharmaceutical products.

Olarinde said: “We set up the Bogo Research Centre for the manufacture of drugs. So far, we have developed three products: Virucidine, Natucadine, and AB-Mal. The three drugs are natural and plant-based with no chemical additives.

“We are looking for partnership in the promotion and sale of these medications. This will necessitate more collaboration with us in the realm of research.

“Therefore, we call for people and organisations to further introduce our pharmaceutical products to the outside world by getting partners to promote them.”

The vice chancellor stressed that ABUAD had continued its upward trajectory as the shining beacon of quality university education.

She announced that the institution’s multi-system hospital had completed 18 kidney transplant surgeries with 100 per cent success.

Olarinde said a total of 1,662 graduates, comprising 177 from the post-graduate college, 161 medical students, and 22 from ABUAD Business School, would take part in the forthcoming convocation ceremony.

The vice chancellor added that 226 students would graduate with First Class while 693 others made Second Class Upper Division and 350 made Second Class Lower Division.

She also said honorary doctorate degrees would be conferred on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Mr. Damian Dodo (SAN), and the Founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in appreciation of their impacts in the society.

Olarinde explained that the three eminent personalities were carefully selected in compliance with the 2012 Keffi Declaration after a thorough, rigorous, and merit-based selection process.