UNILAG Retains Best Pharmacy Brain Title as Samuel Ibrahim Wins SYTA Season 6
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has won the Best Pharmacy Brain in Nigeria title for the second consecutive year as Samuel Ayomide Ibrahim, a 500-level pharmacy student, emerged victorious in the Shalina Young Talent Award (SYTA) Season 6 competition.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a historic achievement, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again secured the prestigious Best Pharmacy Brain in Nigeria title as Samuel Ayomide Ibrahim, a 500-level student from the Faculty of Pharmacy, emerged victorious at the Shalina Young Talent Award (SYTA) Season 6 competition. This marks the second consecutive year that UNILAG has claimed this distinguished honor, further cementing its position as a leader in pharmaceutical education in Nigeria.
Ibrahim, who also serves as the President of the College of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences Students Association (COMPSSA), triumphed over more than 3,000 final-year pharmacy students from 24 pharmacy schools across Nigeria. His exceptional performance in the rigorous contest earned him the coveted title at the Grand Finale held at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos, on February 4, 2025. Alongside the prestigious recognition, he was awarded a grand prize of One Million Naira (N1,000,000).
The award was presented to Ibrahim by distinguished figures in the pharmaceutical industry, including the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, FPSN; Chief Executive Officer, Pharma Division of Shalina Healthcare Limited, Mr. Debajeet Mukherjee; Head, West Africa Pharma Shalina Healthcare, Mr. Amitav Basak; and Managing Director, Shalina Healthcare Nigeria, Dr. Opeyemi Akinyele.
Organized by Shalina Healthcare Limited, the SYTA competition is an esteemed platform that identifies and rewards the brightest pharmacy students in Nigeria. It will be recalled that Princess Kamsy Okeke, a former 500-level pharmacy student of UNILAG, clinched the same award in 2024, making Ibrahim’s victory a consecutive triumph for the institution.
Congratulating Ibrahim on this outstanding achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on behalf of the university’s Senate, staff, and students, expressed immense pride in his success. She lauded his dedication and brilliance, stating that his victory reflects UNILAG’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership in pharmaceutical education.
With this back-to-back win, the University of Lagos continues to set the pace in producing top-tier pharmacy professionals, inspiring upcoming students to strive for excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.
