Prof. Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme

Prof. Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme is a PROFESSOR in PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY Department, Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Prof. Chibueze  Peter Ihekwereme

Staff Profile

Professor Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme is a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. He has over 18 years of university teaching, research and academic leadership experience, having served as Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (2014–2019) and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (January 2023–January 2025). A registered pharmacist (Pharmacists Council of Nigeria), he has taught and supervised at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and has successfully supervised 16 postgraduate students across PhD, M.Pharm and MSc programmes. Professor Ihekwereme’s research spans pharmacology and toxicology of medicinal plants, antiplasmodial and antibacterial natural products, experimental and reproductive toxicology, herb–drug interactions, and safety evaluation of polyherbal formulations. His recent publications include work on antimalarial and antibacterial plant extracts, toxicological evaluation of herbal products, and experimental models of breast cancer, oxidative stress and organ toxicity. Selected recent articles include studies on G6PD variants in _Plasmodium falciparum_‑positive patients, antiplasmodial and toxicological effects of fractions of _Chrysophyllum albidum_ fruit pulp, and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of _Monodora myristica_ seed, as well as a series of papers on _Zingiber officinale_ and _Allium sativum_ in cancer, oxidative stress, inflammation, reproductive hormones and organ protection. Earlier, his work on hemozoin inhibition and control of clinical malaria, herb–drug interactions involving _Garcinia kola, Camellia sinensis_ and fluoroquinolones, and advances in acute toxicity testing has been widely cited in pharmacology and toxicology literature. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacology) degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a PhD in Pharmacology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the professional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Benin. His international research exposure includes appointments as PhD Research Scholar under the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada (2011), Science Exchange Scholar at the Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa, Italy (2013), as well as training and collaborations through the Poverty Related Disease (PRD) College with activities in Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa and Italy. Professor Ihekwereme is a recipient of several competitive grants and awards, notably the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program grant (Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada), the Poverty Related Disease (PRD) College training and research grant, and the Academic Staff Development and Training Grant of the then Educational Trust Fund (now TETFund). He has also received institutional commendations, including the Vice-Chancellor’s and Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s commendations at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in recognition of his contributions to teaching, research and service. Within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, he has played a central role in academic development and governance as member of Senate (various tenures), member and chair of faculty curriculum and accreditation committees, and member of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Degree Curriculum Review and Implementation Committee in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has coordinated and contributed to Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programmes for pharmacists, and has been active in professional capacity building through workshops on rational pharmacotherapy, pharmacoeconomics, and drug use evaluation. Beyond his home institution, Professor Ihekwereme has served, and continued to serve as external examiner in Pharmacology for several Nigerian universities, including Igbinedion University Okada, Delta State University Abraka, and the University of Nigeria (Nsukka and Enugu campuses). He has also served as member of national accreditation team for programs for several universities. He is a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the National Association of Pharmacists in Academia. His broader contributions to society include volunteer roles in health education, free medical missions, and public lectures on rational drug use, drug abuse, and lifestyle‑related health risks. He is committed to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists and pharmacologists, advancing evidence‑based use of medicinal plants, and strengthening the interface between pharmacological research and clinical practice in Nigeria and beyond.

Personal Information

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Address:
Pharmacology And Toxicology, Faculty Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Faculty/Unit:
FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Department/Sub-Unit:
PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY

Academic Qualifications

Degrees / Basic Certificates
1Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. (Doctor of Philosophy, February, 2014)
June, 2009 to February, 2014
PhD Pharmacology & Toxicology
2University Of Nigeria, Nsukka. (Master Degree, January, 2002)
January, 1999 to January, 2002
Master Of Pharmacy Pharmacology & Toxicology
3University Of Nigeria, Nsukka. (Bachelor Degree, December, 1998)
October, 1991 to December, 1998
Bachelor Of Pharmacy Pharmacy

Creative Output

Journal Articles
1Moses Ikegbunam, Nwokike Uchechukwu, Harrison Abone, Ani Ezinne Grace, Mercy Ezeunala, Nnanna Joy, Nzeukwu Chibumma Immaculata, Joy Ogugua Igwe, Obiageli Okeke, Frances Nworji, Peter Ihekwereme. (2026, February), "No G6PD A-(G202A) variant detected among Plasmodium falciparum-positive patients in Awka, Southeast Nigeria: a hospital-based study", Malaria World Journal, Vol. 17, (Issue 4)
2Omo Eric Irinmwinuwa, Chibueze P. Ihekwereme, Udoudo Isaac Etim, Ugenyi Lovelyn Chinyeaka, Nicholas Clement Nwachinemere, Echem Chukwubuikem Agada, Chukwuka Benjamin Uzodinma. (2026, January), "Antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of Monodora myristica seed", American Journal of Plant Sciences, Vol. 17, (Issue 1)
3Philip A. Obarisiagbon, Chibueze P. Ihekwereme. (2025, December), "Antiplasmodial, toxicological and smooth muscles effect of acetone and ethyl acetate fractions of the fruit pulp of Chrysophyllum albidium", Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 21, (Issue 1)
4Daniel Lotanna Ajaghaku, Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme, Paul Chinwuba. (2025, August), "Effect of Supplementation with Phenol Rich Fraction of Musanga cecropioides on Malaria and Primaquine Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice", Asian Journal of Biology, Vol. 21, (Issue 8), pp 70-87
5Mba Ogbonnaya, Chibueze P. Ihekwereme, Uchechukwu H. Orji, Aziakpono M. Omoirri. (2024, September), "Antiplasmodial activities of n-hexane and water fractions of Dennettia tripetala leaf extract in Wistar rats", World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Vol. 19, (Issue 3), pp 595–602
6Peter Chibueze Ihekwereme, Daniel Ikechukwu Oraekei, Rose Ngozi Asomugha, Harrison Odera Abone, Matthew Ikechukwu Ezugwu, Marcellus Ejike Nnamani. (2024, August), "Anti-breast cancer activities of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts in 7, 12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene induced female Wistar rats", GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 29, (Issue 1), pp 224–232
7Daniel Ikechukwu Oraekei, Peter Chibueze Ihekwereme, Rose Ngozi Asomugha, Harrison Odera Abone, Matthew Ikechukwu Ezugwu, Nnamdi Markben Adione. (2024, August), "Potentials of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from cancer inducement with 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene", World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Vol. 19, (Issue 2), pp 340–350
8Chima Ernest Orji, Okwelogu I Somadina, Chibueze P. Ihekwereme, Victoria N. Olli, Jude Nnaemeka Okoyeh. (2024, June), "Off-label use of tramadol combined with Lacasera® soft drink: A sub-acute toxicological study using Wistar rats to evaluate the effects of combination on human basic haematological parameters and weight changes", Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, Vol. 17, (Issue 6), pp 2761- 2768
9Daniel Ikechukwu Oraekei, Peter Chibueze Ihekwereme, Chukwuka Benjamin Uzodinma, Marcellus Ejike Nnamani. (2024, May), "Modulation of female reproductive hormones by Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts administered singly and in combinations in female Wistar rats", Magna Scientia Advanced Biology and Pharmacy, Vol. 12, (Issue 1), pp 024–031
10Daniel Ikechukwu Oraekei, Peter Chibueze Ihekwereme, Chukwuka Benjamin Uzodinma, Onyeka Chinwuba Obidiegwu, Marcellus Ejike Nnamani. (2024, January), "Elucidation of the effects of combined administration of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts on lipid profile by means of female Wister rat models", World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences,, Vol. 17, (Issue 1), pp 220–227
11Daniel Ikechukwu Oraekei, Peter Chibueze Ihekwereme, Chukwuka Benjamin Uzodinma, Onyeka Chinwuba Obidiegwu, Marcellus Ejike Nnamani, Nnamdi Markben Adione. (2024, January), "Evaluation of the protective effects of co-administered Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts on hepatic and renal functions using female Wister rat models", GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 26, (Issue 1), pp 268 - 274
12Akachukwu, A., Ikegbunam, M., Enyi, E., Onochie-Igbinedion, T.O.I., Abone, H., Ezeagwuna, D., Nnanna, J., Ihekwereme, C. and Nworu, C. (2023). (2023, June), "Evaluation of Antiplasmodial Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Eucalyptus camadulensis (Denhn) in Albino Wistar Mice. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 14, 662-676. doi: 10.4236/ajps.2023.146045.", American Journal of Plant Sciences, Vol. 14, (Issue 6)
13Orji CE, Uzochukwu IC, Ihekwereme CP, Okoyeh JN. (2021, February), "Comparative Analysis Of Lead In Rats Organs Using FAAS And XRF: Insight On Suitable Equipment In Forensic Investigation Of Heavy Metal Poisoning In Humans", Journal of Chemical, Biological and Physical Sciences
14Onochie AU, Oli AH, Oli AN, Ezeigwe OC, Nwaka AC, Okani CO, Okam PC, Ihekwereme CP, Okoyeh JN. (2020, October), "The Pharmacobiochemical Effects Of Ethanol Extract Of Justicia Secunda Vahl Leaves In Rattus Norvegicus", Journal of Experimental Pharmacology
15Ihekwereme CP, Agafuchukwu P, Erhirhie EO. (2020, June), "Artesunate (ART) Antagonizes Antiplasmodial Activity Of Vernonia Amygdalina Methanol Leaf Extract In Murine Model Of Malaria", American Journal of Physiology, Biochemistry And Pharmacology
16Orji CE, Okpoko CK, Agbata CA, Okoyeh JN, Okeke AC, Ihekwereme CP. (2020, June), "Evaluation Of The Effect Of Luteolin On The Hepatic And Hematopoietic Systems In Albino Rats", Journal of Clinical Toxicology
17Nwobodo DC, Ihekwereme CP, Ikem CJ, Okoye FBC. (2020, February), "The Anti-pseudomonal Potentials Of Metabolites From Some Endophytic Fungi Isolated From Garcinia Kola Leaves", Novel Research in Microbiology Journal
18Ihekwereme CP, Bruce SO, Orji CE, Ibe CI, Iloh ES. (2020, April), "Aqueous Extracts Of Ocimum Gratissimum And Anacardium Occidentale Synergises In Anti-diarrhoeal Property", International Journal of Modern Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 4, (Issue 4), pp 6 - 11
19Odenigbo AE, Akah PA, Ilodigwe EE, Ajaghaku DL, Erhirhie EO, Ogbonnaya M, Ihekwereme CP. (2020, May), "Preliminary Evaluation Of The Antidiarrheal Effects Of Ethanol Leaf Extract And Fractions Of Rauwolfia Vomitoria Afzel. (Apocynaceae)", International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine, Vol. 15, pp 11 - 21
20Oli AN, Emeruwa AP, Ekwunife OI, Okoye EL, Anyaoku CS, Ibeanu GC, Obi E, Ihekwereme CP, Obaji M. (2019, September), "Pleurotus Ostreatus Extract Enhances The Phagocytic Actions Of Neutrophils Against Streptococcus Pneumonia", Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, Vol. 7, (Issue 2), pp 499- 508
21Erhirhie OE, Ilodigwe EE, Ihekwereme CP. (2018, July), "Ficus Sycomorus L (Moraceae): A Review On Its Phytopharmacology And Toxicity Profile", Discovery Phytomedicine, Vol. 5, (Issue 4), pp 64-71
22Osonwa UE, Okechukwu SA, Ihekwereme CP, Chukwu KI, Eluu SC, Azevedo RB. (2018, March), "Formulation And Evaluation Of Therapeutic Potential Of Nanoemulsion Of A Blend Of Antimicrobial Oils", Trop J Nat Prod Res, Vol. 2, (Issue 2), pp 67-73
23Ihekwereme CP, Melidem CO, Maduka IC, Okoyeh JN. (2018, February), "In Vivo Antiplasmodial And Toxicological Effects Of Extracts Of Fruit Pulp Of Chrysophyllum Albidium G. Don (Sapotaceae)", Trop J Nat Prod Res, Vol. 2, (Issue 3), pp 126-131
24Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme, Chukwusom Maureen Aniezue, Earnest O Erhirhie, Uche Gabriel Okafor. (2015, January), "Preliminary Evaluation of the Anti-Emetic Activity of Crude Methanol Extract and Fractions of Ocimum gratissimum", Journal of Developing Drugs, Vol. 5, (Issue 1), pp 149
25Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme, Charles Okechukwu Esimone, Edward Chieke Nwanegbo. (2014, February), "Hemozoin Inhibition and Control of Clinical Malaria", Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, Article ID 984150
26Miracle Oluebubechukwu Obiagwu, Chibueze Peter Ihekwereme, Daniel Lotanna Ajaghaku, Festus Basden Chinedu Okoye. (2014, January), "The Useful Medicinal Properties of the Root-Bark Extract of Alstonia boonei (Apocynaceae) May Be Connected to Antioxidant Activity", ISRN Pharmacology, Vol. 2014, Article ID 741478
27Nduka Sunday Odunke, Okonta Eleje, Abba Chika Christiana, Ihekwereme Chibueze Peter, Ekwedigwe Uchenna. (2014, April), "Herb drug interaction Effect of manix® on pharmacokinetic parameters of pefloxacin using rat model", Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Vol. 4, (Issue 1), pp S413-S416
28Chibueze Ihekwereme, Charles Esimone, Di Shao, Remigius U. Agu. (2014, June), "Preliminary Studies on Validation of Calu-3 Cell Line as a Model for Screening Respiratory Mucosa Irritation and Toxicity", Pharmaceutics (Special issue: Respiratory and Nasal Drug Delivery), Vol. 6, pp 268-280
29E.E. Ilodigwe, E.N. Igbokwe, D.L. Ajaghaku, C.P. Ihekwereme. (2013, January), "Aphrodisiac activity of ethanol root extract and fractions of Landolphia dulcis (sabine) pichon", International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Vol. 4, (Issue 2), pp 813-818
30Charles O. Esimone, Chibueze P. Ihekwereme, Ifeanyi E. Okoye, Michael U. Adikwu. (2013, July), "Urinary Elimination of Ofloxacin in Humans is Reduced by TEA and Kola nitida Seed.", African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy, Vol. 4, (Issue 1), pp 70-82
31Mohammad Mustafa, Mustafa El-Abadelah, Mohammad Mubarak, Ihekwereme Chibueze, Di Shao, Remigius Agu. (2011, October), "Synthesis and Fluorogenic Properties of Some 1-(Coumarin-7-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4- triazin-6(1H)-ones. I", International Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 3, (Issue 4)

Academic Leadership Qualities

Supervisions
1"Evaluation of acute and subchronic toxicities of a Nigerian polyherbal formulation" (2016). Completed Masters project by EBUNU, Gift Ishioma (Reg No: MSc./2013/65F6001F)
2"The antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract and fractions of the leaves of Dialiumguineense (Willd)" (2017). Completed Masters project by ADIBE, Uchenna Chisom (Reg No: MSc./2013/65F6007F)
3"Evaluation of hepato-protective and antibacterial activities of ethanol extract and fractions of Picralima nitida seed and pod." (2016). Completed Masters project by BRUCE, Stella Omokhefe (Reg No: MSc./2014/65A007P)
4"Pharmacodynamics of a blend of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum against breast cancer in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]. anthracene induced Rattus norvegicus" (2025). Completed Doctorate project by ORAEKEI, Daniel Ikechukwu (Reg. No: 202065F7004P)
5"Analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol root extract and fractions of Ficus capensis in rat" (2025). Completed Masters project by EMENEKA, Esther Ekene (Reg No: 201765F6001)
6"Sub-acute Study on Administration of Graded Doses of Tramadol Dissolved in Lacasera Soft Drink: Evaluation of organs & Physiological Effects on Wistar Rats" (2024). Completed Masters project by ORJI, Earnest Chima (Reg. No: 201665f002F)
7"Isolation and screening of secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi fromCola nitidaand Garcinia kola for their biological properties" (2019). Completed Masters project by NWOBODO, David Chinemerem (Reg No: MSc./2014/65C6001F)
8"Effect of polyherbal antimalarial Super7 on female reproductive system using rat model" (2020). Completed Masters project by ORAEKEI, Daniel Ikechukwu (Reg. No: 201565F001P)
Grants
1Awardee: "Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program" (January, 2011 to July, 2011). Completed sponsored grant by Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada
2Awardee: "Congratulations ‐ Selection as Candidate for Training – PRD College" (January, 2010 to March, 2013). Completed sponsored grant by Poverty Related Disease (PRD) College
3Awardee: "Academic Staff Development and Training Grant, Educational Trust Fund 2008 intervention" (October, 2009 to September, 2011). Completed sponsored grant by TETFUND (Formerly ETF)
Examinerships
1Chief Examiner, "MBBS II viva (oral) examination" (March, 2021 to March, 2021). Completed External Exam
2Chief Examiner, "MBBS II viva (oral) re sit examination" (March, 2020 to March, 2020). Completed External Exam
3Chief Examiner, "MBBS II viva (oral) examination" (December, 2019 to December, 2019). Completed External Exam
Accreditation Panel Memberships
1Member, "NUC Ad-hoc Accreditation Panel" (November, 2025)