Nigeria’s Toyin Tofade, Breaks Record, Becomes First Black Female President of U.S. College

Nigeria’s name resonated when a Nigerian, Dr Toyin Tofade broke the record. She was appointed the first Black woman to be the President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the College’s 141 years history.

“Dr Tofade is the first Black woman to serve as president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the college’s 141-year history, said a Press Release.

Her appointment, announced Wednesday, March 24, 2022, takes effect from July 1, 2022.

“Nigeria’s Toyin Tofade, last Wednesday, became the first black female president of the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) founded in 1881”, said a report, quoting a release from the College.

The College’s press release said Ms Tofade, by her selection, after a comprehensive search will become the 10th President of the College.

“Dr Tofade is the first Black woman to serve as president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the college’s 141-year history. She begins her term on July 1, 2022,” said the release.

Christopher Di Lascia, the Chairman of  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…”

Ms Tofade had served as the Dean and Professor at the Howard University College of Pharmacy in Washington, D.C. “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.”

While accepting her high profile office, the new President 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.”

“My sincere thanks go to Howard University’s Provost and President for their leadership, ongoing support, and mentorship over the years, the entire Howard University College of Pharmacy for their dedication to excellence and leadership, my distinguished colleagues for making Howard a great place to work, and my family for their unwavering support. I am grateful to God for this new opportunity, and I look forward to serving the ACPHS community as President”

Ms Tofade  graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, a master’s degree in pharmacy practice and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree both from UNC Chapel Hill in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

She completed a residency with emphasis on clinical pharmacokinetics in 1994 from UNC Chapel Hill, and an American Society of Health-System Pharmacy-accredited residency in 1995 at UNC hospitals.