Nigerian University Promotes Local Herbal Medicine Adoption

Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti has called for increased use of Nigerian herbal medicines to decrease reliance on imported alternatives. The university’s initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce foreign dependency.

Oluwatoyin Afolabi, Deputy Director of AB Pharmaceutical Services, emphasized that Nigeria’s ongoing use of foreign herbal products, despite available indigenous resources and advancing research, creates economic and medical vulnerabilities requiring immediate action.

During the AB Pharmaceuticals Business Summit in Ado Ekiti, ABUAD introduced three university-developed pharmaceutical products: AB Mal, ABUAD Virucidine, and AB Health Animation 250mg to broaden access to locally produced medicines.

Afolabi noted that ABUAD founder Aare Afe Babalola’s vision focused on enabling Nigerians to access medicines manufactured within the country, driving the development of these products through the university’s research capabilities.