COOUTH CMD BRAINSTORMS WITH COOU PHARMACY DEPARTMENT DELEGATION DURING COURTESY VISIT
Posted On: 2026-07-03 12:15:54
COOUTH CMD BRAINSTORMS WITH COOU PHARMACY DEPARTMENT DELEGATION DURING COURTESY VISIT The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, on Thursday, 18th June, 2026, received a delegation from the Department of Pharmacy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), led by Prof. Umeakunne on a courtesy visit to her office. The visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two sister institutions, reviewing milestones achieved over the years, discussing the way forward, and congratulating Dr. Umeakuewulu on her appointment as the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the team expressed appreciation to previous administrations of the teaching hospital for fostering a cordial working relationship with the university's Pharmacy Department. They noted that the partnership had greatly enhanced the training and professional development of pharmacy students and expressed optimism that the relationship would grow stronger under the current administration. The delegation also emphasized the department's readiness to deepen its participation in the institution's internship and training programmes. Prof, Umeakunne specifically appealed for increased internship opportunities and placement slots for pharmacy students, noting that such exposure remains vital to the development of competent healthcare professionals. Responding, Dr. Umeakuewulu thanked the delegation for finding time to visit and identify with her administration. She expressed delight at the level of collaboration already existing between COOUTH and the university, describing the relationship as strategic to the advancement of healthcare education and service delivery. The CMD reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the partnership and encouraged the department to continue its excellent work, stressing that pharmacists have a critical role to play in contemporary healthcare beyond the traditional dispensing of medications. The CMD particularly drew attention to the importance of pharmaceutical research, emphasizing that the profession extends far beyond over-the-counter drug distribution. According to her, research remains the bedrock of pharmaceutical advancement and a key driver of innovation in healthcare. She urged the department to place greater emphasis on research activities capable of addressing local health challenges and improving therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Umeakuewulu further disclosed that COOUTH is undergoing significant transformation and refurbishment aimed at positioning the institution to meet world-class standards in healthcare delivery, medical education, and research. She noted that the ongoing upgrades would create an enabling environment for cutting-edge pharmaceutical and clinical research. According to the CMD, the hospital possesses the capacity and infrastructure required to support clinical trials and other research initiatives. She advocated for greater involvement of pharmacists and researchers in influencing policy, particularly in ensuring that medications imported into the country undergo appropriate clinical evaluation within Nigeria. She stressed the importance of considering genetic and environmental factors in drug efficacy, noting that medications intended for use in the country should be adequately tested to ascertain their effectiveness among the local population. Dr. Umeakuewulu concluded by assuring the delegation that her administration remains committed to continuous improvement and institutional excellence. She thanked them for their visit and support, noting that although the journey toward transformation is ongoing, steady progress is being made. In her words, “We are all a work in progress. We are moving forward, and with dedication and collaboration, we will certainly achieve our desired goals.” The CMD received the COOU Pharmacy Department delegation in the company of members of her management team, including the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Ifeoma Njelita; Head of Accounts, Mr. Wilson Ezeilo; Head of Nursing Services, Mrs. Angela Nebo; Head of Administration, Mrs. Chioma Ibekie; Public Relations Officer, Agbai Henrietta N.; and other senior staff of the hospital.
Public Relations Office
COOUTH Amaku, Awka