Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu

Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu is a PROFESSOR in PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY Department, Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Prof. Ikemefuna  Chijioke Uzochukwu

Staff Profile

Prof Uzochukwu is a Licensed Pharmacist, certified Public Analyst (IPAN), certified Supply Chain Analyst and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, teaching and doing research in Nigeria. He focuses on capacity building especially in the area of drug design for neglected tropical diseases, emerging infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus and sickle cell disease etc. He is a winner of several grants which include, World Bank, UNESCO, UNIDO and TETFUND funded grants.

Personal Information

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Phone:
Address:
Pharmaceutical And Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Faculty/Unit:
FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Department/Sub-Unit:
PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Academic Qualifications

Degrees / Basic Certificates
1University Of Nigeria, Nsukka. (Doctor of Philosophy, September, 2007)
October, 2003 to September, 2007
PhD Medicinal Chemistry

Relevant/Working Experience

1Appointment as Dean, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
June, 2018 to Present
2Election as Acting Dean, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
April, 2017 to Present
3Visiting Reader, University Of Ibadan, Faculty Of Pharmacy
October, 2015 to September, 2016
4Professor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
October, 2015 to Present
5Acting Dean, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
June, 2014 to Present
6Reader, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences
October, 2011 to September, 2015
7Appointment as Sub-Dean, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
October, 2011 to Present
8Acting Head of Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
March, 2011 to Present
9Acting Head of Department, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
December, 2009 to Present
10NYSC Pharmacist, St. Mary General Hospital, Ibadan
November, 1993 to November, 1994
11Internee Pharmacist, University Of Nigeria, Nsukka, Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences
January, 1993 to December, 1993

Creative Output

Books
1I.C. Uzochukwu. (2015, October) Overview of Computer Use in Pharmacy. In: Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Lecture
2Uzochukwu I.C.. (2015, October) Herbal Medicines: General introduction. In: Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme (FPGOP) Text, Ed. Uzochukwu Ikemefuna and Okoye Ebere
3Uzochukwu I.C.. (2014, October) Complementary and Alternative Medicines. In: Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Text
4Attama, AA, Uzochukwu, I. C. and Onunkwo, G. C.. (2009, October) An overview of synthetic biopolymers in drug delivery. In: Overview of biopolymers: Recent Advances and Challenges
Book Chapters
1Uzochukwu I.C.. (2013, October) Drugs and Sports. In: Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Text, Module X, Ed.
2Uzochukwu I.C.. (2013, October) Pharmacogenomics. In: Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Text, Module X, Ed.
Journal Articles
1Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu, George Uchenna Eleje, Chile Henry Nwankwo, George Okechukwu Chukwuma, Chinwendu Alice Uzuke, Chinwe Elizabeth Uzochukwu,. (2021, November), "COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among staff and students in a Nigerian tertiary educational institution", SAGE Journals
2Adekunle Rowaiye, Solomon Oni, Ikemefuna Uzochukwu, Alex Akpa, Charles Okechukwu Esimone. (2021, February), "The Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Natural Compounds that Bind with the Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells", Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research
3Ezra Gayawan, Olushina O. Awe, Bamidele M. Oseni, Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu, Adeshina Adekunle, Gbemisola Samuel, Damon P. Eisen and Oyelola A. Adegboye. (2020, September), "The spatio-temporal epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 outbreak in Africa", Cambridge Journals
4Adekunle Babajide Rowaiye, Titilayo Asala, Angus Nnamdi Oli, Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu, Alex Akpa, Charles Okechukwu Esimone. (2020, September), "The Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells and Their Inter-Switching Potentials", Current Drug Targets
5Fortunatus Ezebuo and Ikemefuna Uzochukwu. (2020, September), "Drug repurposing for schistosomiasis: molecular docking and dynamics investigations", Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics
6Ezebuo, FC and Uzochukwu IC. (2020, April), "Schistosomal Sulfotransferase Interaction with Oxamniquine Involves Hybrid Mechanism of Induced-fit and Conformational Selection", Pub Med
77. E.O. Omeje, I.C. Uzochukwu, M.O. Agbo, W.O. Obonga, J.N. Nwodo, P.F. Uzor, D.C. Obioha, J.U. Uzoma, P.C. Akaraekwe , C.S. Nworu, L. Onugwu, P.O. Os. (2019, January), "Potential clinical applications of the eastern Nigerian mistletoes: Evidences from two decades of investigations (1999-2019)", International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology
830. Ejiofor Innocentmary I. and Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C. (2016, October), "Development And Validation of a 96-Microwell Based Assay of Azithromycin by Charge Transfer Complexation with 2, 3-Dichloro-5, 6-Dicyano-1, 4-Benzoquinone (DDQ), International Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Vol. 6, Issue 4, 35-46", International Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Vol. 6, Issue 4, 35-46.
9Uzochukwu IC, Olubiyi OO, Ezebuo FC, Obinwa IC, Ajaegbu EE, Eze PM, Orji CE, Onuoha MC, Ejiofor II and Ikegbunam MN. (2016, December), "Ending the Ebola Virus Scourge: A Case for Natural Products", Open Access Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
10FC Ezebuo, CB Lukong, IC Uzochukwu. (2016, November), "In silico investigations revealed four potential colon cancer drugs from phytochemicals in Zingiber officinale", International Journal of Phytomedicine
11EE Ajaegbu, L Younoussa, SPY Danga, IC Uzochukwu, FBC Okoye. (2016, September), "Mosquito repellant activity of Spondias mombin L (family: Anacadaceae) crude methanol extract and fractions against Aedes aegypti L.", Mosquito repellant activity of Spondias mombin L (family: Anacadaceae) crude methanol extract and fractions against Aedes aegypti L., Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources
1212. Elijah Eze Ajaegbu, Simon Pierre Yinyang Danga, Ikemefuna Uzochukwu Chijoke & Festus Basden Chiedu Okoye. (2016, March), "Mosquito adulticidal activity of the leaf extracts of Spondias mombin L. against Aedes aegypti L. and isolation of active principles", Pub Med
13Ikemefuna C Uzochukwu and Stanley O Nzegbunam. (2015, January), "Visible Spectrophotometric and Thermodynamic Studies of Diclofenac: Charge-Transfer Complexation with 2, 3 Dichloro-5, 6-dicyano, 1, 4-benzoquinone", Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research March 2015; 14 (3): 519-525
14Adeola Oluboyo, Samuel Meludu, Charles Onyenekwe, Bernard Oluboyo, Ikemefuna Uzochukwu, Chidi Oranusi, Timothy Mbaeri. (2015, June), "Protein patterns in Nigerian men with prostate cancer", Indian Journal of Basic and Applied Medical Research; June 2015: Vol.-4, Issue- 3, P. 102-107
15Kingsley C. Anukam, Humphery B . Osadolor, and Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu. (2014, June), "In Silico Characterization of Heavy Metal Binding Protein Predicted In the Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus pentosus KCA1", Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Science Research
16Uzochukwu IC, Ejiofor II. (2013, November), "Development and validation of ultraviolet spectrophotometric assay method for cefixime and its tablet/capsule formulations", Unknown Journal or Publisher
17NH Okorie, SC Umerie, IC Uzochukwu, SC Nwobi and PO Osadebe. (2011, February), "Quality Control Assessment of Five Brands of Ketoconazole Tablets Marketed in Nigeria", Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 9 No 1 pp. 15 - 22.
18Uzochukwu, I. C. and Osadebe, P. O. (2010, September), "Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopic Evaluation of Complexation Equilibria of Some Complexes of Loranthus Micranthus Linn Plant Parasitic on Kola AcumiNAnata", Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol 8, No 1, 62 –66.
19IC Uzochukwu and PO Osadebe. (2009, January), "Ultra-violet spectroscopic studies of extracts of Loranthus micranthus Linn parasitic on Kola acuminata", Bio-Research
20SE Ukwueze, IC Uzochukwu and EJ Ngonebu. (2008, October), "Comparative quality assessment and in vitro dissolution profile of some paracetamol tablet generics marketed in Nigeria", Port Harcourt Medical Journal
21Uzochukwu, I. C. and Osadebe, P. O.. (2006, December), "Chromatographic and anti-motility studies on extracts of Loranthus micranthus Linn", Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences 4(1): 385-389
22Osadebe, P. O., Okide, G. B. and Akabogu, I. C.. (2004, December), "Study on anti-diabetic activities of crude methanolic extracts of Loranthus micranthus (Linn.) sourced from five different host trees", Journal of Ethnopharmacology 95, 133-138
Conference Papers
1Stefanik M, Ezebuo FC, Haviernik J, Uzochukwu IC, Fojtikova M, Salat J, Eyer L, Ruzek D.. (2020, June), "FDA Approved Drugs Efavirenz, Tipranavir, and Dasabuvir Inhibit Replication of Multiple Flaviviruses In Vitro. Proceedings. 2020",
2Uzochukwu, IC, Ezebuo, FC and Ejiofor II. (2020, August), "Structure-based virtual screening of existing drugs, phytochemicals and N-acetyl glucosamine analogues against SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein S and protease, A Paper Presented at the 18th National Scientific Conference of Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in A",
3Adenola, Ugochi A. and Uzochukwu, Ikemefuna C.. (2020, August), "Development of hypertension-obesity-diabetes mobile health application for patients, a Paper Presented at the 18th National Scientific Conference of Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 24th",
4Uzochukwu I.C.. (2019, May), "Developing Capacity in Bioinformatics and Genomics, A Conference Keynote Paper Presented at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bioinformatics and Genomic Consortium Conference held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria",
5Uzochukwu, I. C., Ugwu M.C, Ogwaluonye, U.C., Abba, C.C., Umeyor, C.E., Uronnachi, E.M., Okpagu, N., Adekoya, A., Esuga, M., Ukwuru, J. and Anyakora,. (2019, April), "Pilot implementation of pharmaceutical quality system curriculum at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, A plenary paper presented at the Experience Sharing Workshop of United States Pharmacopoeia for Deans of Pharmacy Schools in Nigeria at Corinthia Hotels, Abuja",
6Uzochukwu I.C.. (2018, November), "Professionalization of supply chain in pharmacy practice: private, public and regulatory perspectives, A Conference Plenary Paper Presented at the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria 91st National Conference held at International Conference Center, Universi",
7Uzochukwu, I. C., Ugwu M.C, Ogwaluonye, U.C., Abba, C.C., Umeyor, C.E., Uronnachi, E.M., Okpagu, N., Adekoya, A., Esuga, M., Ukwuru, J. and Anyakora,. (2018, August), "Pilot implementation of pharmaceutical quality system curriculum at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, A Conference Paper Presented at the 16th National Association of Pharmacists in Academia National conference held at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical R",
8Uzochukwu I.C.. (2018, July), "Molecular docking simulations in drug discovery, A Conference Plenary Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from 4th to 6th July, 2018",
9Adekunle Rowaiye, Ikemefuna Uzochukwu, Alex Akpa, and Charles Esimone. (2018, July), "Discovery of Phytoconstituents with Natural Killer Cell- Binding Affinities, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from 4th to 6th July",
10Okafor Sunday N, Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C. and Osadebe Patience O.. (2018, July), "In silico binding affinities of four WHO priority pathogens adhesin receptors against selected approved drugs, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria f",
11Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C. and Oranu, Emmanuel C.. (2018, July), "Determination of the binding affinities of selected approved drugs and Mucuna pruriens phytoconstituents with Escherichia coli shiga toxin, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiw",
12Fortunatus C. Ezebuo and Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu. (2018, July), "The role of conformational dynamics in activation of oxamniquine by schistosomal sulfotransferase, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from 4th to 6",
13AGUBE, Arinze and Uzochukwu, Ikemefuna C. (2018, July), "Drug Repurposing for Helminthiases: In Silico, In Vitro and Clinical Investigations, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from 4th to 6th July",
14Ikegbunam, Moses N., Eze, Daniel U. and Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C.. (2018, July), "Determination of binding affinities of Plasmodium falciparum adenylosuccinate synthetase with Medicine for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box compounds, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamd",
15Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C. and Okpoli Innocent N.. (2018, July), "Ribavirin Is A Possible Multi-Target Inhibitor of Trypanosoma brucei, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from 4th to 6th July, 2018, 012.",
16David A. Kwasi, Iruka N. Okeke, Chinedum P. Babalola and Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu. (2018, July), "Pathogen Box Screen Identifies Novel Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) Biofilm Inhibitors, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from 4th to ",
17Uzochukwu, I.C., Omeoga, M.C., Ezebuo, F.C., Okpoli, I. and Oranu, E.. (2018, July), "Discovery Of Multi-Target Existing Drugs With Antidiabetic Activities: In Silico And In Vivo Investigations, A Conference Paper Presented at the Drug Discovery and Pathogen Box Conference & Workshop held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria fro",
18Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C., and Blessing Donald. (2017, November), "Development of Pharmacy Therapon Online Platform: Expanding the frontiers of Pharmacy Practice, Learning, Products and Services, A Conference Poster Presented at the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria 90th National Conference held at Umuahia, Abia State fr",
19Ezebuo, Fortunatus C., Uzochukwu, Ikemefuna C., Lukong, Colin. B., Okafor, Irene N. and Ifemeje, Jonathan. C.. (2016, February), "In silico Investigations Revealed a Potential Anti-oxidant Drug in Zingiber officinale. A conference paper presented at the international conference of the African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research & Development University of Jos Held at ",
20Ezebuo, Fortunatus C. and Uzochukwu, Ikemefuna. C. (2016, February), "Repurposing and Discovery of Multi-Targets Drugs For Schistosomiasis. A conference paper presented at the international conference of the African Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research & Development University of Jos Held at Hill Station Hotel",
21Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C., Olubiyi, Olujide O., Ezebuo, Fortunatus C., Obinwa, Ifeyinwa C., Ajaegbu, Eze E., Eze, Peter M., Orji, Chima E., Onuoha, Maxwe. (2015, October), "Drug Repurposing For Ebola: In Silico Determination of Binding Affinities Against Four Viral Proteins, A Conference Paper Presented at the UNESCO-Merck Serono Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2015 held at Geneva, Switzerland From 19th to 20th October, 2015",
22Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C., Olubiyi, Olujide O., Ezebuo, Fortunatus C., Obinwa, Ifeyinwa C., Ajaegbu, Eze E., Eze, Peter M., Orji, Chima E., Onuoha, Maxwe. (2015, May), "In Silico Determination ofThe Binding Affinities of Ethnomedicinal Antiviral Compounds against Five Ebola Viral Proteins. A Conference Paper Presented at the 5th General Assembly and National Conference of The Nigerian Young Academy Held At Federal Univer",
23Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C., Olubiyi, Olujide O., Ezebuo, Fortunatus C., Obinwa, Ifeyinwa C., Ajaegbu, Eze E., Eze, Peter M., Orji, Chima E., Onuoha, Maxwe. (2015, May), "In silico determination of the binding affinities of ethnomedicinal antiviral compounds against five Ebola viral proteins. A conference paper presented at the 5th General Assembly and National Conference of the Nigerian Young Academy held at Federal Uni",
24Uzochukwu Ikemefuna C., and Okpoli Innocent N.. (2015, May), "Identification of possible inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase in Trypanosomiasis brucei from approved clinical drugs by in silico molecular docking simulations. A conference paper presented at the 5th General Assembly and National Conference of the N",
25Uzochukwu IC and Akpotojor C.. (2014, July), "Determination of binding affinities of some approved drugs to Ascaris suum mitochondrial rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase by in silico molecular docking, a conference paper presented at the Fourth General Assembly/Conference of the Nigerian Young Academy he",
Other Relevant Publications
1Christopher Agube, Daniel Ajaghaku, Ikemefuna Uzochukwu. "In silico and in vitro investigations of antihelmintic activities of selected approved drugs", (Research Work, 2020 November)
2Michal Stefanik, James Valdes, Fortunatus Ezebuo, Jan Haviernik, Ikemefuna Uzochukwu, Martina Fojtikova, Jiri Salat, Ludek Eyer and Daniel Rudek. "FDA-Approved Drugs Efavirenz, Tipranavir, and Dasabuvir Inhibit Replication of Multiple Flaviviruses in Vero Cells", (Research Work, 2020 April)
3Osadebe, P. O. and Akabogu, I. C.. "Antimicrobial activity of Loranthus micranthus harvested from kola nut tree", (Research Work, 2005 December)

Academic Leadership Qualities

Supervisions
1"Isolation and identification of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Spondias mombin leaf" (2013). Completed Masters project by Ajaegbu Eze Elijah (201065600ID)
Grants
1Awardee: "TETFUND" (January, 2020). Ongoing sponsored grant by Tertiary Education Trust Fund
Examinerships
1Examiner, "Appointment as External Examiner, University of Ibadan" (November, 2017). Completed External Exam
2Examiner, "External Exerminer Appointment" (July, 2015). Completed External Exam
3Examiner, "External Examiner, University of Nigeria, Nsukka" (October, 2014). Completed External Exam
Accreditation Panel Memberships
1Member, "Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Accreditation team" (July, 2015)
Contributions to the University/Society
1Director, Research and Innovations, "Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka" (July, 2021)
2Chairman, Research, Innovations and University Industrial Relation Committee, "Nnamdi Azikiwe University" (July, 2021)
3Local Government Collation Officer, Imo Gubernatorial election, "Independent National Electoral Commission" (March, 2019)

Membership of Professional/Relevant Bodies

1Fellow Member, "Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy" - Nil (member since 2021), https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigeria-academy-of-pharmacy-2b015aa5