About Us
Pioneering research and education in herbal medicine and natural therapies for a healthier future.
About Our Institute
The Phytomedicine Institute is Nigeria's leading center for research and education in herbal medicine and natural therapies. Our focus is on fostering knowledge and certification.
Learn from seasoned professionals dedicated to nurturing the next generation of herbal medicine practitioners.
Join a vibrant community that supports your journey towards becoming a certified herbal doctor.
Our Vision
To become a leading center of excellence in phytomedicine and physiatry, empowering communities with safe, effective, and sustainable healthcare solutions for human and animal well-being.
Our Mission
To promote health and wellness through:
Rigorous research in bio-phytomedicine and rehabilitative therapies,
Development and dissemination of herbal and organic health products,
Capacity-building for health professionals, caregivers, and natural medicine practitioners,
Integrative healthcare services that combine traditional and modern approaches,
Advocacy for the ethical use of nature-based medical resources for public benefit.
Pioneer Governing Board
Engr. Stanley Ukaga
Chairman
Engr. Stanley Ukaga is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning
over 35 years in various sectors of the Nigerian and African economy. From the oil and gas industry, project management, security, construction, telecommunications, sales and marketing to hospitality and human resources management across Africa.
With the wealth of experience garnered over the years in these sectors, he has developed and honed his skills in executive and project management, strategic planning, risk management, corporate leadership, business and workforce development. He is a man of many firsts, being one of the first Nigerians to head a major USA Oil service company for Africa in the 90s.
As well as the first consultant engaged by NEITI (The Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative) to audit the NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation under the then Executive Secretary Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili and Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. He was also a key member of the Niger Delta Amnesty Program. Heading the Classification team under Hon Timi Alaibe as the Special Adviser to the then President Goodluck Jonathan. Its worthy to note that when the Amnesty Headquarters office got burnt and so many sensitive documents were destroyed.
That Engr. Ukaga provided the backup documents for the over 23,000 ex-militants whose records were lost in the fire. This was done at no cost to the Federal Government. Engr. Ukaga, after consulting for several years for various multinational organizations in Nigeria and across Africa, most recently transitioned into the health and wellness industry.
Where he co-founded STK Biotech Ltd and once again they set a distinctive record of firsts, by having 2 of their company’s phytomedicines recognized for their efficacy by the African Union, during the Covid 19 pandemic. Stanley brings a unique perspective to any role, leveraging on his expertise to foster a healthy and productive work environment. His dynamic career showcases adaptability and a commitment to creating positive impacts across various sectors.
As one who has always enjoyed a passion for building and working with people and he is proactively engaged in community development. Earning several awards and leadership positions over the years in various associations. Engr. Stanley, was unanimously elected to administer his Uratta clan consisting of 10 towns with 6 traditional rulers presiding over 6 autonomous communities, as the National President General of their development union.
The Institute for Bio-Phytomedicine and Physiatry GTE of which he's a co-founber, was established as commitment to his lifelong desire for improving the quality of life of others and appreciation for learning. Together with experts on the Board of Trustees and dedicated staff, they're committed to presenting the best solutions and innovations at all times.
Prof Kenneth Yongabi
Rector/Director
Professor Kenneth Anchang Yongabi is a titular and distinguished Professor in Public Health, Infectiology and Phytobiotechnology at Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria and serves as Adjunct professor of Public health at Claretian University of Nigeria.
He previous served as Adjunct Professor of medical Biotechnology at Ebonyi State University, Nigeria for Five years. He is a fellow of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the African Institute of Public Health Professionals, a fellow of the Public Health Council of Nigeria a licensed public health practitioner and a member of the American Naturopathic Medical Association.
Professor Yongabi received the first Marc Bopelet Gold Medal in 2020 from the Cameroon Academy of Sciences for his distinguished contributions in Afrocentric public health research and phytomedicine. In 2022, he was also recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria, for his contributions in Alternative and Complementary and Traditional Medicine in Nigeria.
Kenneth founded the Phytobiotechnology Research Foundation in Cameroon in 2007 which has birthed the STK Biotech Company in Nigeria as well as the Institute for Biophytomedicine and Physiatry. He currently holds three patents, two copyrights and products accredited with the African Trade and Investments (ACATII) in East Africa.
He has more than 200 peer review publications, more than 150 conference papers, 4 books and 10 scholarly book chapters to his credit. He has supervised several PhDs, masters and B.Sc theses, served as external examiners to other African universities, and has served as external assessors to the appointment and promotion of his peers to the rank of professor in some African Universities.
He has served as consultant to WHO health promotion, WHO Climate change and health, WHO African Traditional Medicine, WHO Clinical Trial consortium, and also at the African Union Scientific Research and Innovation Council. Prof Yongabi currently lectures part time in International Public Health, Environmental and Occupational health at EUCLID Intergovernmental University- a University formed under the Unied Nations Treaty.
Prof Chinyere Ukaga
Secretary/Director
Chinyere Nneka Ukaga is a Professor of Public Health Parasitology with more than 28 years post graduate research and teaching experience. She has to her credit more than 161 publications in reputable journals, produced 55 PhD graduates of whom 6 are presently professors in different universities.
Chinyere is the 1999 best graduating PhD student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka winning both the Vice Chancellor’s Prize and the Faculty of Science Prize. She was a Federal Government scholar at both the secondary school level (Fed. Govt. Girls College Onitsha) and Master’s degree level (University of Nigeria Nsukka).
Her Ph.D. program was supported by the Tropical Diseases Research (TDR)/ World Health Organization (WHO) training grant. Chinyere spent most of her academic career in Imo State University Owerri where she served in various capacities including Head, Department of Animal & Environmental Biology (Zoology); Deputy Director and the Director Consultancy Services Unit; the Chairman Consultancy Board, the Pioneer Director, Quality Assurance Unit; Member of the Imo State University Governing Council; the first female Director Academic Planning Unit and the first female Dean Student Affairs Directorate.
Professor Chinyere Nneka Ukaga recently joined Wigwe University Isiokpo Rivers State Nigeria as the pioneer Director Academic Planning and Quality Assurance. She is also a member of the Governing Council of Wigwe University Isiokpo.
Chinyere is a past National President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria as well as a Fellow of the Society. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
She is an International Council member (representing Africa) at the International Society of Infectious Diseases (ISID) based in Brookline MA USA where she is involved in the mentorship program with mentees from different parts of Africa. She is also a National Executive Council member of the World Federation of Parasitologists (the first African living and working in African to be on this board).
She has consulted for the African Program on Onchocerciasis Control now ESPEN, a subsidiary of the World Health Organization; as well as AFRO (APOC another subsidiary of WHO) and has consulted for the Federal Government of Nigeria on the Niger Delta Amnesty Program. She is a board member of the Save the Deaf Endangered Language Initiative (S-DELI).
Prof. Alphonsus Ekwereike
Prof. Alphonsus Ekwereike, a Harvard Trained Scientist and Board of Trustees member of the Institute for Phytomedicine and Physiatry GTE, passed away on February 24, 2022. He was 61 years.
Prof. Alphonsus Ekwerike was the President & Clinical Director of, Science Medicine Research Institute (NASA-IASC indexed Asteroids Discovery Institute, NeuroToxic Spongifibrous Syndrome Discovery Institute & unit of Neurosquatemetry & Science Medicine, Inc).
A Harvard Medical School Trained Clinical Researcher & Professor of Neuroendocrinology (Cognitive Neurosquatemetry, aka Invention Technology Program), first Nigerian to discover NASA-IASC 2010TL78 & CHF1472 asteroids & an inventor of Fluorocell electricity & 38 other health / medical, educational, agriculture, automotive, products, procedures, devices & foods,
He was a legislative advocate to the US Congress on rare diseases & tropical health.
- Deceased
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