By O.V.Collins
The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Azuka Oparah, has emerged as the recipient of the prestigious Dean of the Year 2023 award. The online poll, which concluded on Monday, recorded a remarkable victory for Prof. Oparah with a total of 1539 votes.
Prof. Oparah secured the top position in the competitive digital poll by garnering the highest number of votes. The other candidates, including Prof. Ighodaro Igbe from Igbinedion University Okada, received a combined total of 1386 votes. Prof. Theophine C. Akunne from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) secured 661 votes, while Prof. Margaret Olubunmi Afolabi from Obafemi Awolowo University received 432 votes. Prof. Chibueze Ihekwereme of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) gained 151 votes, and Prof. Benjamin U. Ebeshi from Niger Delta University (NDU) obtained 129 votes.
The introduction of the Dean of the Year Award is a significant addition to the Pharmanews Online Poll series, tailored to acknowledge the contributions of deans of Pharmacy faculties across Nigeria. The award aims to honour those who have played am important role in advancing their faculties.
Pharmanews Publisher, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, congratulated Prof. Oparah on the well-deserved recognition, praising the dean’s commitment to excellence. Atueyi expressed that the award presentation ceremony date will be communicated to the winner in due course.
While acknowledging the efforts of all candidates, Atueyi highlighted the fact that the award is intended for a single individual. He encouraged the candidates to continue their dedicated efforts in advancing the field of Pharmacy, with the potential to secure future victories.
The Pharmanews Online Poll series originated with the Young Pharmacist of the Year award in 2018, where Isa Muhammad emerged as the inaugural winner. Subsequent editions were won by Frank Eze in 2019, Daniel Eze in 2021, and Ozioma Ezeofor in 2022.
The online competition was extended to the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) in 2019, with the introduction of the PANSite of the Year award. The maiden edition was claimed by Yusuf Hassan Wada of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, followed by Izukanne Emembolu from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) winning the 2nd edition. Martin Nwofia, a student from Chukwuemeka Odumegbu Ojukwu University (COOU), clinched the 3rd edition, while Jennifer Ekuma from the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) triumphed in the 4th edition. The 5th edition was won by Olasunkanmi Ahmed Ajilaran.
Source: Pharmanews