Nigerian Woman Becomes First Black Female President Of US College

Toyin Tofade

A Nigerian woman, Toyin Tofade has become the first black female president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) founded in 1881.

Tofade, who bagged a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), is to begin her term on July 1, 2022 as the 10th president, the college said in a press release last Wednesday.

Christopher Di Lascia who chaired the presidential search committee said, “Dr Tofade possesses all the qualities desired, including her deep commitment to academic quality, scholarship, and service, as well as a proven track record of successful management and resource development…”

Since 2016, the release noted that Ms Tofade had served as the dean and professor at the Howard University College of Pharmacy in Washington, DC during which the college has nearly doubled enrollment for the class of 2021; doubled the number of student internships; expanded clinical, industrial and international partnerships; and received the maximum number of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) re-accreditation years possible.

Under her leadership, the college diversified its faculty composition and expertise; revised the curriculum which has led to improved educational outcomes; entered into a one-of-a-kind partnership with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Glaxo to provide fellowship opportunities in regulatory affairs and policy.

In accepting her new role, Tofade reportedly said, “It is an honour to be selected for this distinguished role by the Board of Trustees at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.”

Tofade got a master’s degree in pharmacy practice and a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree both from UNC Chapel Hill in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

A leader in global professional pharmacy organisations, she has received numerous recognitions for her work.