UMSOP Signs Agreement with Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to Support Scientific Training and Global Public Health

The memorandum outlines a collaborative effort to expand scientific training and enhance the regulatory capacity of Nigeria’s National Medicines Authority.

By Pam Carder
May 27, 2026

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), creating a long-term partnership to support scientific training and strengthen regulatory review in the country.

The agreement signed in January establishes a five-year collaboration between UMSOP’s Center for Translational Medicine (CTM) and NAFDAC, the agency responsible for regulating medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products in Nigeria. The partnership is designed to help NAFDAC continue meeting the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Tool standards, a program that measures the strength of national regulatory systems.

“The overall goal of this agreement is to set up a structure for the School of Pharmacy to provide scientific training for NAFDAC scientists, so they can maintain their WHO Maturity Level 3 and advance further,” said Brooke Langevin, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, who is leading the partnership. “It allows us to support their ongoing development in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Strengthening Global Regulatory Science

Beyond formal training, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing regulatory science on a global scale.

“We’re sharing knowledge in a way that strengthens global policy and gives it a stronger foothold,” Langevin said. “Part of this work is about influencing and supporting the growth of regulatory science beyond the United States.”

The training initiative will focus in part on bioequivalence and regulatory data analysis — areas that require both scientific rigor and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks. Because of this specialized focus, programming is expected to engage faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students, particularly those affiliated with the CTM.

UMSOP’s CTM leverages predictive analytics, statistical modeling, and AI to help pharmaceutical partners make informed drug development and regulatory decisions, particularly in complex or high-risk areas.

In addition to strengthening NAFDAC’s internal capacity, the partnership provides valuable international experience for UMSOP researchers and trainees.

“It’s also a tremendous opportunity for us,” Langevin said. “It gives our team experience working with regulatory data and interacting with regulatory agencies outside of the U.S. That global perspective is incredibly important.”

How the Partnership Began

“NAFDAC reached out to us in search of a partner with deep expertise in regulatory science and a balanced perspective that brings together regulatory and academic insight,” Langevin said. “That shared vision ultimately led to this collaboration.”

Through the agreement, UMSOP faculty will offer training, educational resources, and opportunities for professional development. These programs are aimed at helping NAFDAC strengthen its workforce as it oversees the review and approval of medical products used throughout Nigeria. The MOU also encourages regular exchange of information and collaboration on best practices between the two institutions.

Sarah L. J. Michel, PhD, dean of UMSOP and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, said the partnership reflects the School’s broader commitment to improving global public health.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening global regulatory systems and advancing public health,” Michel said. “By working closely with NAFDAC, we are supporting a regulatory workforce that plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medical products for millions of people.”

A Shared Vision for Public Health

NAFDAC will encourage staff participation in the training programs and incorporate new skills into its daily regulatory work. The agency will also collaborate with UMSOP faculty on topics such as reviewing scientific data, strengthening oversight practices, and staying aligned with international standards.

Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, BSP, PhD, director general/CEO of NAFDAC, said “This partnership with UMSOP represents a significant step forward in strengthening our scientific and regulatory capacity. By investing in advanced training and global collaboration, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that safe, effective, and high-quality medical products reach the Nigerian population.”

Langevin said the collaboration represents both a practical training initiative and a broader commitment to strengthening global regulatory networks.

“We’re excited to work side-by-side with NAFDAC,” she said. “Supporting their goals ultimately contributes to a stronger, more connected global regulatory system – and that benefits patients everywhere.”

---

Related News Stories

More Stories About:

• Brooke Langevin
• center for translational medicine
• CTM
• MOU
• NAFDAC