MARCEL MBAMALUChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has launched a groundbreaking Professional Diploma programme in Herbal Medicine and Nutrition, designed to tap into the vast potential of herbal medicine and capitalize on the global market valued at over USD 150 billion as of 2025.
The programme, which focuses on standardizing herbal preparations, enhancing their efficacy, and evaluating their toxicity, aims to contribute to the development of herbal medicine in Nigeria and beyond. According to Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Vice Chancellor of COOU, the programme is tailored to meet the growing demand for herbal medicine, with about 80% of the global population relying on traditional medical practices for their healthcare needs.
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In an exclusive interview with Prime Business Africa, Professor Omenugha says the programme’s comprehensive curriculum includes the history of herbal medicine, pathophysiology and disease conditions, plant identification and biodiversity, and formulation of herbal dosage forms, among others. Students will also gain hands-on experience in laboratories, conducting toxicological studies to confirm safety and efficacy.
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By partnering with the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) and other organizations, COOU’s programme is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in Nigeria, particularly in rural or underserved areas where herbal products are often readily available, affordable, and accessible.
The programme’s focus on preparing students to capitalize on the economic and social benefits of herbal medicine will not only contribute to the growth of the industry but also provide graduates with opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship in the field of herbal medicine.
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a distinguished communication scholar, journalist, and entrepreneur with three decades of experience in the media industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and serves as the publisher of Prime Business Africa, a renowned multimedia news platform catering to Nigeria and Africa's socio-economic needs.
Dr. Mbamalu's journalism career spans over two decades, during which he honed his skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of senior editor. Notably, between 2018 and 2023, he collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Northeast Nigeria, training senior journalists on conflict reporting and health journalism.
Dr. Mbamalu's expertise has earned him international recognition. He was the sole African representative at the 2023 Jefferson Fellowship program, participating in a study tour of the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) on inclusion, income gaps, and migration issues.
In 2020, he was part of a global media team that covered the United States presidential election.
Dr. Mbamalu has attended prestigious media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and the Reuters/AfDB Training on "Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development in Africa."
As a columnist for The Punch Newspaper, with insightful articles published in other prominent Nigerian dailies, including ThisDay, Leadership, The Sun, and The Guardian, Dr. Mbamalu regularly provides in-depth analysis on socio-political and economic issues.
