There is no predicting history’s verdict. Up to now, Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi, who died on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 at age 85, has been judged by many as a man with uncommon capacity for hard work, matchless devotion to the progress of pharmacy profession in Nigeria, and one who had unwavering commitment to his creator. These traits helped him to achieve what is by any measure his most important legacy -advancement of human cause.
Born on 1st October, 1939 at Okija, in Anambra state, He studied at the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile-Ife, where he graduated in 1964 with Diploma in Pharmacy, and in 1967 with B.Pharm Second Class Upper Division.
Sir Atueyi was a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm), and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm). He was a rare breed in the freshest of the term.
After his career in the pharmaceutical industry, he energetically pursued pharmaceutical journalism with the founding of Pharmanews, a health journal in 1979, at a time when pharmacy lacked visibility in the media. There is much to admire in the life and times of this exceptionally gifted icon who has been packed with selfless service to humanity.
He nurtured Pharmanews into a platform for pharmaceutical and healthcare communication empire. He edited several periodicals and authored as well as co-authored many books.
A beacon of professional integrity, Sir Atueyi used the Pharmanews platform consistently to connect stakeholders in pharmacy and illuminated the profession’s path when it mattered most.
For over four decades, Pharmanews under his watch became a mirror reflecting the aspirations, challenges, and triumphs of pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policymakers.
He was always a source of inspiration to students, academics, and professionals. Sir Atueyi’s contributions to seminars and conferences facilitated knowledge sharing and professional growth in pharmacy across Nigeria and beyond.
In scholarship, he was thorough and brilliant, dedicating his life to humanity through writing and mentorship. His wealth of experience was put at the disposal of humanity through guidance, advice, down to earth honesty and commitment to duties and responsibilities.
His determination to make impact in the advancement of the pharmacy profession, manifested in his visible participation in events organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, its various technical groups, as well as regional and international bodies such as the West African Pharmaceutical Federation, NAPPSA, and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
Sir Atueyi’s life offers countless lessons for leaders everywhere. His leadership roles, including his tenure as Deputy President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, were marked by wisdom, dedication, vision, and a passion for excellence.
He remained deeply engaged with the pharmacy profession even in his later years – to keep his restive spirit busy. He also institutionalized the culture of celebrating the elders of pharmacy through interviews, tributes, and commemorative articles, ensuring that their stories were not lost to time.
As distinguished Professor Cecilia Ihuoma Igwilo (OON), reportedly said in her tribute: “He had recently been searching out elders (senior citizens) and sharing their welfare with pictures on the numerous platforms that he belonged to.’’
Beyond his professional life, Sir Atueyi was a passionate health communicator and Christian leader widely admired for integrating faith and professionalism in his career. He was a devout Christian and devoted servant of God who exemplified selfless service and unwavering commitment to His creator. He lived what he preached—discipline, prayer, simplicity, and purpose. He was also a Knight of the Order of Saint Christopher (KSC), and he played active roles in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship and his local church. As an author, he wrote several inspirational Christian books that were impactful.’’
One hallmark of his life was in seeking integrity in all that he did even at personal cost and considerable inconvenience. A former lecturer and lifelong mentor, Sir Atueyi is well known among his peers and professional colleagues as one who used Pharmanews to inspire excellence, ethical practice, and spiritual leadership.
As tributes keep pouring in honour of this jewel of pharmaceutical journalism in Nigeria, many believe that Nigeria needs more Sir Atueyis.
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