From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and AMA Pharmaceutical Company have announced their intention to establish a strategic partnership centered on drug development and the commercialization of research outcomes.
AMA-MED is the largest pharmaceutical company in Northern Nigeria, based in Kaduna, and is known for producing high-quality, lifesaving intravenous fluids (IV fluids).
Since its inception in 2019, the company has been at the forefront of advancements in medical manufacturing.
The partnership follows the signing of an Executive Order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that promotes the use of locally sourced raw materials for pharmaceutical production.
Also, this collaboration aims the increase local production of healthcare products and reduce manufacturing costs.
It was gathered that the idea for this partnership emerged during a visit by the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, to the pharmaceutical firm in Kaduna, where he sought placement opportunities for students in the School of Industrial Training (SIWES).
Prof. Ahmed was impressed with the state-of-the-art medical manufacturing facility and its advanced Automated Pharmaceutical Filling System (AFFS) technology. He also noted the continuous innovations that reflect the company’s growth and commitment.
During his tour of the facility, discussions highlighted the urgent need for collaboration in various aspects of drug production and pharmaceutical development.
Furthermore, they explored the potential for promoting the commercialization of research outputs from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and other related departments at the university.
It is anticipated that this collaboration will help bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The recent return visit to Ahmadu Bello University by Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, the founder of AMA Pharmaceutical Company, further solidified the plans for collaboration.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the partnership between ABU and AMA-MED will enhance the competitiveness of drug manufacturers.
Under the leadership of Prof. Adamu Ahmed, the university is actively pursuing industry collaborations to commercialize its research outputs.
Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor’s recent visits to the University of Glasgow and the University of Salford in the United Kingdom have opened new opportunities for research collaborations and industry linkages.
