The Medicinal Chemistry Short Course, organized under the prestigious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, has successfully concluded after five weeks of intensive learning and hands-on training. The course provided a comprehensive exploration into Medicinal Chemistry, equipping participants with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for academic and professional growth.
The program was hosted at Covenant University under the leadership of Professor Akan Williams, with Landmark University as a key partner. The course ran twice weekly over four weeks, with a hybrid learning format to enhance accessibility and participation. The first two weeks were held at Landmark University, while sessions at Covenant University (CU) were streamed online. This arrangement was reversed in the final two weeks, ensuring that students at both institutions benefited from in-person and virtual engagement. Participants came from various academic backgrounds in the sciences, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.
A key component of the course was the four-day practical session focused on drug inhibition studies using the broth microdilution method. This session, attended by about 30 students, provided hands-on experience in laboratory techniques crucial for antimicrobial research, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through real-world applications. The Carnegie Fellow – Associate Professor Oluseye Onajole was assisted by Mrs Ruth Diji-Geske, a microbiologist, who provided detailed explanations on broth preparation and the subculture of the organisms used, ensuring that participants gained a thorough understanding of the process.
The course primarily focused on drug formulation and synthesis, providing participants with a strong foundation in the principles and techniques involved in developing medicinal compounds. Through detailed theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations, students were equipped with essential skills to understand and design effective pharmaceutical formulations. To monitor progress and reinforce learning, weekly exams and assignments were conducted. Additionally, students received free academic mentorship across various disciplines, ensuring well-rounded academic and professional development.
A one-day seminar was organized as part of the program, offering valuable insights to participants and researchers on how to improve their academic and research endeavours. This seminar was facilitated by Professor Oluwafemi from The University of Johannesburg, Professor Olayinka Ajani, Asso. Prof. Oluseye Onajole, and Professor Akan Williams, it served as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among scholars.
The course concluded with an oral presentation session, where participants who achieved at least 75% attendance demonstrated their understanding of key concepts. The hard work and dedication of these participants were recognized with the award of three certificates marking a significant achievement in their academic journey. The certificates awarded include Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, Broth Microdilution Method, and Advanced Medicinal Chemistry.Furthermore, plans are underway at Covenant University to introduce Medicinal Chemistry as a Master’s degree course, further strengthening academic and research opportunities in this field.
The successful completion of this program underscores the commitment of the Carnegie Fellowship for Africans in the Diaspora to fostering educational excellence and skill development. This initiative was made possible through the leadership and dedication of Professor Williams, the CUCIRF Director, who played a key role in bringing this program to fruition. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the facilitators, partner institutions, and students for making this initiative a resounding success.
