About

Prof Raymond Iduojemu Ozolua attended Obe Primary School, Sabongidda-Ora (1972–1978) before proceeding to the famous Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda-Ora (1978-1983). He worked as a Clerical Officer in West African Examinations Council, Benin Zonal Office, to save money for further education. Prof Ozolua studied Pharmacy at the University of Benin (1985–1990). In the University, he was a serial winner of awards and prizes some of which include the UAC of Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship, University of Benin Undergraduate Scholarship, Chief Andrew Egbo's Prize for the Best Student in Forensic Pharmacy, Dean's Prize for the Best Graduating Student in the School of Pharmacy, Prof Kulkani's Memorial Prize for the Best Student in Final B. Pharm Examinations, and Provost's Prize for the Best Overall Graduating Student in College of Health Sciences. He undertook the mandatory internship programme of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and won prizes including the Best Overall Intern for the year, and a special recognition for pharmaceutical formulations that saved the hospital huge sums of money. He took part in the National Youth Service programme at the Primary Health Department of Iseyin Local Government Council, Oyo State (1992–1993). At Iseyin, he was also the Chairman of the Association of Corps Members.

He started his career as an academic as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Benin in April 1993. He also earned MSc (1997) and PhD (2002) degrees from the same department. He rose through the ranks to become a Professor in October 2011. Prof Ozolua has held many positions in the University of Benin including Assistant Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy (2003–2005); Acting Head, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (2005–2008); and Head, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (2012–2015). He has also served the University in several other capacities including; member, Central Entrance Examinations Committee (2003–2004); Senate Representative, Work/Study Programme Committee (2007–2008); Hall Warden, AkanuIbiam Hall (2006–2010); Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Science and Technology Education Post Basic (STEP-B, 2006–2012); member, Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (2010); member, University of Benin Biomedical Research Committee (2012–2014); member, Committee on Procurement, Installation, Service, Maintenance and use of Scientific Equipment (PRISM, 2011–2012); Faculty Representative, Postgraduate School Board (2012–2017); and Director of SERVICOM (2020-2022).

Prof Ray Ozolua has served as external examiner at undergraduate and post-graduate levels to several universities, some of which are University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, ObafemiAwolowo University, University of Nigeria, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ilorin, and University of Maiduguri. He has also served several Nigerian Universities in the capacity of external assessor for professorial promotions. He has mentored many master's and PhD graduates, some of whom have also risen to become professors. Over many years, he has received the Best Lecturer Award by students of Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry. He is a regular keynote speaker at various pharmaceutical gatherings. He has served as a member of accreditation panels set up by National Universities Commission and Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to several universities.

Prof Ozolua has served as consultant to the Federal Ministry of Health, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Partnership for Transforming Health Systems 2 (PATHS-2), Medical Sciences for Health (MSH), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), among others. He was actively involved in the development of the National Policy on Pharmacovigilance, Standard Treatment Guidelines and the Essential Medicines List of the Federal Ministry of Health. His current area of research includes evaluation of drugs and herbal products for antihypertensive, anti-asthmatic, neurological properties and safety. He is the editor of the Nigerian pacesetting A Handbook of Techniques in Experimental Pharmacology. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Pharmacology & Toxicology of Natural Medicines. He has authored over ninety scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed several chapters to books. He delivered the 220th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Benin entitled “The More You Look, The More You See: An Adventure in Pharmacological Discoveries.”

Prof Ozolua enjoys the membership of many professional and learned societies such as Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia, and West African Society for Pharmacology. He is a Fellow of the West African Society for Pharmacology (FWASP) and a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN). He is the Second Global Vice President of Holy Trinity Grammar School Old Students Association. He is a devout Christian of the Anglican Communion. His hobbies include, listening to music and playing badminton. He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) NkiruOzolua, a pharmacist, and they are blessed with three children.