UNILAG, NAFDAC Call for Stronger Scientific Evidence, Regulation of African Traditional Medicine

By Adeola Fatoki

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s Model Herbal Clinic has advocated for stronger regulation of Traditional Medicines, saying that “natural” must not be mistaken for “safe.”

The event which held on September 3, 2026, at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, Idi-Araba was orgnized by the Department of Pharmacognosy.

The ceremony featured participation from representatives of May&Baker Nigeria PLC, Mojeaga Health and Osworth Pharmaceutical, among others.

The speakers stated the significant role of herbal medicines across healthcare in Africa while advocating for stronger scientific evidence.

The Acting Head, Department of Pharmacognosy, Dr. Ifeoma Orabueze, reflected on why the theme of the event “Safe, Effective and Regulated: The future of Herbal Medicine” was chosen, adding that the key issues that must be tackled for African traditional medicine to garner widespread acceptance and full integration into the system.

Orabueze noted that the University’s model herbal clinic, which was established in 2012, was created to provide healthcare services to the community and also contribute to the development of skilled personnel in the field.

According to her, the annual celebration has moved beyond just being a symbolic observance to becoming contributions that highlights the importance of traditional medicine to humans as well as it’s need to improve it’s practice across Africa.

The Deputy Director( Drug evaluation and research) at NAFDAC, Pharm. Mrs. Ijeoma Ezeka, stressed the importance of regulation in safeguarding and ensuring effectiveness of herbal medicine.

“The fact that a product is natural does not exempt it from regulatory requirements,” she said.

Ezeka noted product registration, product listing, are necessary to support scientific validation and protect consumers.

The Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Sunday Adesegun praised the vice chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola for her support for innovation and development across the faculty.

He also appreciated the stakeholders, collaborators, exhibitors, students and lecturers for their contribution leading to the success of the program.