ABOUT US
Who We Are?
The West African Society for Pharmacology (WASP) is a leading regional scientific organization committed to the advancement of pharmacological sciences across West Africa. Established to foster collaboration, education, and research in pharmacology, WASP provides a platform for professionals, researchers, educators, and students to share knowledge, promote best practices, and influence healthcare outcomes in the region.
WASP’s activities include annual scientific conferences, workshops, collaborative research programs, policy advocacy, and publications that contribute to the growth and impact of pharmacology in Africa.
The west African Society for Pharmacology was established in 1971 and the founding fathers were the late Emeritus Professor Gilbert Obiafo Onuaguluehi, late Prof. E.A Gyang, Late Prof K.L Dramane, late Prof V. O Marquis, Late Prof Lateef Akinola Salako, Late Prof David Tinakpoevwan Okpako and late Prof Abdul Fattah Biola Mabadeje.
It was the founding members desire and expectations that there will be improvement and advancement in the science of Pharmacology and the allied Sciences in all ramifications throughout the West African Sub Regions.
To achieve this,they encouraged membership of the Society from every sphere of Pharmacology, including b medical doctors, veterinarians, pharmacists, molecular biologists, biochemists,phytochemistry, botanists Chemists, Toxicologists etc.
The Society’s Journal is the West African Journal of pharmacology and Drug Research which is published regularly. The Society is a member of the Union of African Societies for Pharmacology (UASP HAR) and a member of International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR).
From it’s humble beginning with a membership of about 12, the Society is counting over 500 members spread throughout the West African Sub-region.
The Society so far has had 13 Consecutive Presidents with Prof. Ching F. Poh s the 13th President.
From Inception, the President’s are;
1. Prof Gilbert O. Onuaguluchi (1971- 1976) Nigeria
2. Prof. E. A Gyang (1977-1979) Ghana
3. Prof. K.L Dramane ( 1980-1982) Ivory Coast
4. Prof. V.O. Marquis (1983) Nigeria
5. Prof. L. A. Salako (1984-1987) Nigeria
6. Prof. D. ZT. Okpako (1987- 1990) Nigeria
7. Prof. A. F. B. Mabadeje (1990-1995) Nigeria
8. Prof. Charles O. Wambebe (1995-2001) Nigeria
9. Prof O.O. Adeyemi (2001-2007) Nigeria
10. Prof. Helen O. Kwanashie (2007-2013) Nigeria
11. Prof. E. K. I Omogbai (2013- 2017) Nigeria
12. Prof. Omotayo Oluranti Ebong (2017-2021) Nigeria
13. Prof. Ching F. Poh(2021-2025) Nigeria
The Society also has a Board of Fellows and a Board of Trustees.
Professor Lawal Alhassan Bichi is the chairman of the Board of Trustees (2021-2025).
His Excellency Dr. Good luck Ebele Jonathan. GCFR, GCON, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015) is the Grand Patron of the Society.
Active participation from members in Ghana, Benin Republic,Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone,Togo,, Burkina Faso etc have been commendable despite the many challenges the Society has faced over the years.
This year 2025, The Garden City of Port Harcourt will host the Society’s 46th Annual Conference taking place at the Rivers State University from the 24th to 28th of November, 2025.
Founded in 1980 and located in the heart of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Rivers State University is a premier institution of higher learning known for its academic excellence, innovation, and vibrant student life.
The University is home to a wide range of faculties and departments, including the College of Medical Sciences, which plays a critical role in advancing medical education, research, and healthcare service delivery in Nigeria and West Africa.
As host of the 2025 WASP Annual Conference, RSU provides a dynamic academic environment and modern facilities to support meaningful scientific exchange and collaboration.
College of Medical Sciences, RSU
The College of Medical Sciences at Rivers State University is dedicated to producing highly skilled medical professionals, conducting cutting-edge biomedical research, and improving health outcomes in society.
Basic Clinical Sciences
The College of Medical Sciences of the Rivers State University has three faculties which are the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences and Faculty of Clinical Sciences.
Our Faculty is an intermediary faculty that deals with the science of the cause and effect of diseases (pathology) and the science of drugs and their effects on the body (pharmacology).
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Pharmacology is the study of the actions of drugs on living systems. This includes a proper understanding of the general principles of drug action and a sound knowledge concerning the important drugs affecting the various systems of the body such as the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal, endocrine and other body systems.
The core philosophy is to enhance existing and acquire new knowledge in Pharmacology and Therapeutics by conducting and promoting innovative research in keeping with international best practices. To become a top ranked research intensive academic center in the disciplines of Pharmacology and Therapeutics both nationally and internationally
