Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai with his award. 

We congratulate the Dean of the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, on receiving the prestigious Dean of the Year award from Pharmanews Nigeria. In this exclusive interview, the Dean shares his thoughts on the honor, his leadership approach, and his vision for the future of pharmaceutical education and research in Nigeria.

On Receiving the Dean of the Year Award 

Interviewer: Congratulations on being awarded the Dean of the Year award by Pharmanews Nigeria. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you think it will impact your work?

Dean: I'm deeply humbled and grateful for this honor. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students. This award will motivate us to continue striving for excellence in pharmaceutical education and research.

On Being the First Dean from Northern Nigeria to Receive the Award 

Interviewer: You're the first Dean from Northern Nigeria to receive this award. How do you think this achievement will inspire others from underrepresented regions?

Dean: This award helps dispel the impression that excellence only happens in the south. We in the north are equally intelligent, hardworking, and capable. I hope this achievement will inspire others from Northern Nigeria and beyond to pursue their goals with determination and passion.

The Award 


On Leadership Challenges 

Interviewer: What are some of the most significant challenges you've faced as a leader in academia, and how have you overcome them?

Dean: Leadership is challenging, especially in academia. One of the biggest challenges is managing limited resources while maintaining high standards. I've overcome this by being strategic, seeking alternative funding sources, and empowering my team to take ownership of their work.

On the Impact of the Award on Students 

Interviewer: How do you think this award will impact your students, and what message do you have for them?

Dean: My students are thrilled about the award, and I'm proud of their accomplishments. I'd like to tell them that this award is not just a recognition of my work but also a testament to their hard work and dedication. I encourage them to continue striving for excellence and pursuing their passions.

On Future Goals for the Faculty 

Interviewer: What are your future goals for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University Kano?

Dean: My goal is to make our faculty the most vibrant in the country. We've already made a mark by being the first to award the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. We will maintain high standards, provide state-of-the-art education, and produce exemplary pharmacists.

On Being the First to Award the Pharm.D Degree 

Interviewer: There's been some dispute about Bayero University Kano being the first to award the Pharm.D degree. Can you clarify this?

Dean: Bayero University Kano is the first university permitted to run the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. As long as regulatory bodies are concerned, we are the first.

On the Future of Pharmaceutical Education and Research 

Interviewer: How do you envision the future of pharmaceutical education and research in Nigeria?

Dean: My ambition is to bridge the gap in pharmaceutical care by increasing the number of pharmacists in the country. We're pushing for more intake into pharmacy schools and encouraging pharmacists to invest in technology. I'd also like to see more diversification in pharmacy practice, making safe and affordable medications accessible to the population.

On Approaching Leadership and Driving Excellence 

Interviewer: How do you approach leadership in the faculty, and what strategies have you implemented to drive academic and research excellence?

Dean: Leadership under these challenging times is very difficult, especially with limited funding. However, I'm lucky to have cooperative and hardworking colleagues who are ready to take the faculty forward. We've had to come up with alternative sources of funding to ensure operations run smoothly.

On Advice for Young Academics and Students 

Interviewer: What advice would you give to young academics and students, especially from underrepresented areas, aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

Dean: I'd like to encourage them to work very hard, be resilient, and pursue their passions. Having an MSc or PhD will give them an edge and added opportunities. I advise them to acquire more knowledge while they're young and have fewer responsibilities. The sky is their limit.

On Initiatives for Students to Develop Research Interest 

Interviewer: Prior to your election as Dean, you were the Head of the Research Directorate. What initiatives did you implement to encourage students to develop an interest in research?

Dean: During my time at the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership, we encouraged students and staff to submit research proposals. We funded their research with a minimum of 2 million naira for a duration of one year. We also encouraged final-year students with promising projects to go for further research, providing them with the necessary support and resources to help them succeed. Quite a number of students have benefited from these initiatives.

On Message to the Broader Academic Community 

Interviewer: What message do you have for the broader academic community, especially those aspiring to lead in their fields?

Dean: My advice is for them to be serious with their activities, have passion and interest in their field, and commit to their goals. With these qualities, they can aspire to succeed as much as they want.



Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai with Sen.Aliyu Usman Bello the Editor-in-Cheif PANS-BUK.


On Final Thoughts and Future Plans 

Interviewer: As we conclude this interview, what final thoughts or future plans would you like to share with our readers?

Dean: I'd like to express my gratitude to Pharmanews Nigeria for this award and to my students, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support. As for future plans, we will continue to work tirelessly to advance pharmaceutical education and research in Nigeria, and I'm excited to see the impact we can make.

Conclusion 

Interviewer: Thank you, Dean, for sharing your insights and vision with us today. We wish you continued success in your endeavors.

Dean: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure.