As the world comes together to celebrate World Pharmacists Day under the theme “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs,” SUN takes the opportunity to highlight the remarkable achievements of Tobilola Akingbade, a licensed pharmacist from Nigeria and a trailblazing young investigator who is redefining the role of pharmacists in global research efforts.
In July 2024, Tobilola Akingbade received the prestigious Young Investigator Award at the International Research Conference on Neurodegenerative Diseases (IRCND) for her groundbreaking presentation titled “Biological Fluid Biomarkers for Subtype Differentiation in Mild Cognitive Impairment.” This highly regarded award was presented to her by the Global Association for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases (GASND) during the conference held in Atlanta, United States.
Akingbade’s study is a comprehensive review of literature spanning 14 years, focusing on biological fluid biomarkers that could potentially distinguish between subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), specifically amnestic MCI (aMCI) and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). Her research highlighted the current limitations of using biological fluid biomarkers to differentiate between these subtypes and underscored the potential for discovering new biomarkers in fluid samples with the aid of ultrasensitive technologies.
Addressing her fellow Nigerian pharmacists, Akingbade shared her inspiring vision: “As pharmacists, we have a robust foundation that uniquely positions us to contribute significantly to research. Our role extends far beyond dispensing medications—we have the potential to be pioneers of discovery. When I presented my findings to the global neuroscience community, I wasn’t just delivering a paper,” she said. “I was representing every Nigerian pharmacist who has ever questioned whether research could be a viable path for them. I hope this recognition serves as a catalyst, encouraging more pharmacists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to embark on research endeavors that address global health needs.”
As we celebrate World Pharmacists Day and acknowledge the evolving role of pharmacists in achieving global health equity, Tobilola Akingbade’s outstanding achievement stands as a testament to the significant contributions that pharmacists can make to the world of research and beyond.