Fondly known as "Adorable Dora", the internationally renowned pharmacist, pharmacologist, erudite scholar, administrator, and visionary leader, would, perhaps, be best remembered as the no-nonsense Director General of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs and Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
Born in Makurdi, Benue State, on July 14, 1954, the deceased hailed from Nanka, Anambra State. The deceased always had a knack to be marked for distinction.
A post-doctorate Fellow of University of London and a Fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists, it was NAFDAC, Director General that Akunyili proved her mettle as a leader and visionary.
She took on the hydra-headed problem of fake, spurious, unwholesome and substandard drugs, turning fortunes around for the nation's lopsided drug distribution system and quickly gaining international recognition as a true advocate for public health and human rights protection.
A multiple award-winner for her work in pharmacology, public health and human rights, Akunyili was an embodiment of excellence academically – passing the First School Leaving Certificate Examination with distinction at St. Patrick's Primary School, Isuofia, Anambra State, in 1966.
To prove her prowess, she went on to emerge with Grade I Distinction in the West African School Certificate Examination of 1973 from Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka.
This superlative performance earned her the Eastern Nigerian Government Post-Primary Scholarship and the Federal Government of Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship. In 1978, Akunyili bagged her first degree in pharmacy, and her Ph.D in 1985 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Among her outstanding awards were the Time Magazine Award 2006 (One of the 18 Heroes of our Time) – Time Magazine Inc.; Person of the Year 2005 Award by Silverbird Communications Ltd, etc. etc.
May her soul continue to rest in peace. Amen!
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