The Africa Centre of Excellence on Phyto-Medicine Research and Development (ACEPRD) at the University of Jos
(UNIJOS) has established a partnership with the Université Des Montagnes Bagangté, Cameroon, to explore novel
drug delivery systems and carry out Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies toward the validation of in-
vitro and in-vivo models in safe and effective use of medicines; understanding the genetic basis of drug response and
disposition (Pharmacogenomics) as well as student/faculty exchanges.
The process, which led to the signing of an MoU in October 2017, began in January, 2016, when Dr. Rosine Chougou-
Kengne from Université Des Montagnes visited the ACEPRD laboratories to conduct a research in Artemesia annua, a
plant with active ingredients against malaria. One of the outcomes of the research were two articles, published in
international journals, with the support of ACEPRD. The Centre recently met with the management of Université des
Montagnes to discuss the enrollment of regional students, faculty exchange and collaborative research on the bio-
diversity of Cameroon for new drug delivery. While the University plans to send 20 MSc/PhD students to ACEPRD, it
will also accept one faculty member of ACEPRD on sabbatical, to teach Clinical Pharmacy, with effect from January
2018.
A similar partnership has been established between ACEPRD and Mbarara University, Uganda. Following the Centre’s
visit to the University, to attract regional students, for which nine applications have, so far, been received, the
Centre Leader of ACEPRD, Prof. John Aguiyi, was appointed a member of the International Advisory Board of ACE-II
at Mbarara University. Among other issues, the Board resolved that ACEPRD would be involved in faculty/student
exchanges, student supervision, Ugandan students coming to Pharmaceutical industries in Nigeria for their
internships as well as drug development and research.