It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of appreciation that I welcome you to the official web page of the Centre for Herbal Medicine and Drug Discovery (CeHMDD) here at UNIMED.
The University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Nigeria’s first specialized medical university is an institution committed to the pursuit of “holistic health”. We believe that an understanding of the empirical basis and rational application of indigenous traditional medicine particularly folk and traditional medicinal practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts (herbalism) are crucial for holistic health in the African context.
The establishment of the Centre of Herbal Medicine and Drug Discovery is a culmination of the strong, sustained and strategic interest in the field of herbal medicine from the early days of the University. UNIMED’s Centre for Herbal Medicine and Drug Discovery is a brainchild of the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi. Since its commissioning on 6th May 2021 by the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, at the Bolorunduro Campus of the University where it initially had its office, the Centre has been striving consistently towards fulfilling its goal. At CeHMDD, we are passionate about the promotion of African Traditional Medicine in general and Herbal Medicine (herbalism) in particular.
Oghale O. Ovuakporie-Uvo, PhD.
Acting Director, Centre for Herbal Medicine & Drug Discovery
The overall objective of the CeHMDD is to become an international Centre of excellence renowned for scientific exploration of indigenous plants and natural products in a sustainable manner for the purpose of drug discovery and development.
The mission of the Centre is to:
1. Promote access to effective, safe and reliable herbal medicinal products through, basic and translational research, innovations, training and advocacy, and driving the agenda for the modernization of herbal medicine for longer, healthier, happier lives.
2. Cultivate and improve the availability of indigenous medicinal plants for sustainable use.
3. Produce and evaluate herbal drugs using phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics for the development of herbal medicines.
4. Educate local traditional herbal medicine practitioners in order to rationalize and control herbal medicines in Nigeria.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is calling for application for its National Research Fund (NRF) 2020 grants cycle. Up to N7.5 billion will be disbursed for the current 2020 NRF Grants cycle.
Assessing the 2020 NRF grants involves a twostep process
1. Submission of Concept-Notes by Principal Investigators (PI) of the proposed research projects,
2. Submission of full proposals of research projects based on concept notes that been evaluated and considered fundable.
Deadline for submission of concept notes is 21 July 2021
For more information on eligibility, thematic areas and how to apply, download the Grant Guide
Africa Research Excellence Fund Research Development Fellowship 2020
The AREF Research Development Fellowship (RDF) Programme is being launched to support African researchers who are working on important challenges for human health in Africa. The fellowship offers a three (3) to nine (9)-month placement at a leading research institution in Europe or Africa, with additional support of up to a maximum of £38,000 at the home institution of the fellows before and after the placement,.
The fellowship is open to research active post-doctoral scientists and clinicians who are nationals of and employed in Sub-Saharan Africa who were awarded their doctorate after May 2014; and clinicians without a doctorate but who have a research-relevant Master’s degree and at least two and up to seven years active research experience.
Deadline for application is 12:00 GMT 23 September 2020.
For information on how to apply, download the Grant Guide
The UniMed Office of Research Innovation and Development can provide guidance to research teams in the development of their concept notes. For enquiries contact research@unimed.edu.ng
