Charles Wambebe
Charles Obadiah Nimma Wambebe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 August 1946 Emi Tsado, Kogi State, Nigeria |
| Died | 9 November 2022 (aged 76) Quincy, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Alma mater | Ahmadu Bello University |
| Known for | Development of Niprisan, a phytomedicine for sickle cell disorder |
| Spouse | Victoria Wambebe |
| Awards |
|
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Pharmacology |
| Institutions | Ahmadu Bello University, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Makerere University |
| Thesis | The role of dopamine in the central nervous system (1979) |
Charles Obadiah Nimma Wambebe CON, OFR (8 August 1946 – 9 November 2022) was a professor of pharmacology from Nigeria and served as the director-general/chief executive officer of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja. He contributed to the development of Niprisan, a phytomedicine for sickle cell disorder management, which led to The World Academy of Sciences Award in Medical Sciences. He also worked as a consultant in traditional medicine for various international organisations and held professorships at Tshwane University of Technology and Makerere University.
Early life and education[edit]
Wambebe was born on 8 August 1946 in Emi Tsado, Kogi State, Nigeria.[1] He obtained his PhD in neuropharmacology from Ahmadu Bello University in 1979, with his studies focusing on the physiological roles of dopamine in the brain.[2] He was a visiting professor of pharmacology at Georgetown University Medical Center and collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO).[1]
Career and research[edit]
Wambebe was the director-general/chief executive officer of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, from 1994 to 2006.[3][1][4] During his tenure, he oversaw the research and development of Niprisan, a standardised phytomedicine derived from four plants, used for sickle cell disorder management.[1] Niprisan underwent clinical trials and was found to be safe and effective in reducing the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises.[2] It received approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in 1998 and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001.[2] Wambebe has five United States patents for Niprisan.[1]
Wambebe also led the research and development of the first Nigerian HIV-1 candidate vaccine, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology (IHV).[1] He developed a plant extract (CONAVIL) for HIV/AIDS management and conducted initial clinical trials. He developed the Draft Nigerian National HIV Vaccine Plan with support from UNAIDS in 2000.[1]
Wambebe worked as a consultant in traditional medicine for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), African Union, Economic Commission for Africa and African Development Bank (ADB).[2][1] He was the chair of product research and development for Africa and the president of International Biomedical Research for Africa. He held a professorship in pharmacology at Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa and an honorary professorship of pharmacology at Makerere University, Uganda. He published articles in international journals and contributed chapters to books. His research focused on the development of phytomedicines from African indigenous medical knowledge using African food plants. He authored several books, including African Indigenous Medical Knowledge and Human Health.[1]
Awards and honours[edit]
Wambebe received The World Academy of Sciences Award in Medical Sciences in 2000 for his work on Niprisan.[2] The Federal Government of Nigeria awarded him the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).[1] He was elected a fellow of The World Academy of Sciences, African Academy of Sciences, and Nigerian Academy of Science.[1]
Personal life and death[edit]
Wambebe was married to Victoria Wambebe.[1] He was a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He died on 9 November 2022 in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States, at the age of 76.[1] He was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. His burial took place on 16 November 2022 in Emi Tsado, Kogi State, Nigeria.[1]
References[edit]
Citations[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Nigeria, Guardian (6 December 2022). "Wambebe, father of modern 'herbalism' (1946–2022)". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d e The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) (27 October 2023). "In memoriam". TWAS. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
- ^ Tell Communications Limited 2008, p. 50.
- ^ "Nigeria revokes sickle cell drug licence". ProQuest. 16 March 2009. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
Sources[edit]
- Tell. Tell Communications Limited. 2008. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Academics | |
- 1946 births
- 2022 deaths
- Nigerian pharmacologists
- Nigerian medical researchers
- Nigerian academics
- Nigerian inventors
- Ahmadu Bello University alumni
- Fellows of the Royal Society
- Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Science
- Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences
- People from Kogi State
- Members of the Order of the Niger
- Members of the Order of the Federal Republic