Gabriel Osuide: Celebrating Life of Service at 90

Sunday Ehigiator

Prof. Gabriel Ediale Osuide is the pioneer Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He was born on March 15, 1935, in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Despite his modest background, his parents prioritised education, leading him to Edo College and later to the University of London School of Pharmacy, where he graduated with First-Class Honours in 1963. He continued postgraduate studies in pharmacology under a Commonwealth Scholarship and completed advanced research with funding from the Carnegie Foundation.

Academic & Professional Contributions

Prof. Osuide began his academic career as a Lecturer in Pharmacology at the University of Ibadan in 1966. In 1968, he joined Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), where he played a crucial role in upgrading the pharmacy diploma to a degree program and established a drug manufacturing and quality control facility. He became ABU’s youngest professor in 1971 at the age of 36.

His contributions extended to other institutions, including the University of Benin, where he served as Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, Head of Department, and Dean of Postgraduate School. He was also a board member at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Leadership & Service

Professor Osuide held several key leadership positions, including: Pioneer Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Director, Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD); Chairman, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD); Board Chairman, Pharmacists Board of Nigeria and Examiner in Pharmacology for the Nigerian Medical Council. Others include Member, Board of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Member, Nigerian Medical Research Council

Recognition & Legacy

His impact on pharmacy education and healthcare policy in Nigeria earned him numerous accolades, including: Life Achievement Award (Edo College Old Boys Association, 2011); distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Award (National Universities Commission, 2011); Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; Founding Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, and ABU honored his contributions by naming two lecture theaters after him—GOLT 1 and GOLT 2.

Personal Life & Values

Prof. Osuide is known for his humility, kindness, and commitment to education. He is married to Clementina Adebimpe Osuide and has three sons and a daughter. Augustine Osuide, Alexis Osuide, Fidelis Osuide and his daughter Adesua Dozie, who is the Executive Vice Chairman of Exxonmobil Companies in Nigeria. His legacy is reflected not only in his academic and professional achievements but also in the lives of the many individuals he has mentored and influenced.

Conclusion

At 90 years old, Professor Osuide’s life stands as a testament to dedication, scholarship, and service, leaving an enduring mark on pharmacy, academia, and Nigeria’s healthcare system.