By Ojoma Akor
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted 175 pharmacy graduates from foreign institutions.
Registrar of the council, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu enjoined the newly inducted members to maintain high ethical conduct and leadership standards set forth by the PCN, and to endeavour to serve as examples for the achievement of excellence in the provision of quality pharmaceutical services for sustainable health care delivery in Nigeria.
He spoke Friday in Abuja during the induction ceremony of participants of the second cycle of the 2025 foreign pharmacy graduate orientation program (FPGOP) at the PCN headquarters.
He said the inductees had undergone the orientation programme at the required centres as mandated by the PCN (Establishment) Act 2022 and had passed the examinations.
The registrar said the FPGOP was organized primarily to ensure that the graduands are acquainted with the realities of practice in the tropics, with emphasis on Nigeria.
He said, “As you may be aware, pharmacy is a noble profession that guarantees opportunities for new graduates to have great prospects of practicing in different fields such as industries, communities, hospitals, administration, research, academia and in other human endeavors, such as information technology, journalism, publishing and indeed governance. With this you have huge options to select from. In doing this, do not undermine the activities of your colleagues. The pharmacy practice is collaborative. You can excel in each of these areas of life.”
He also said that it is a global phenomenon that pharmacy graduates are statutorily required to undergo a 12-month continuous internship training programme under the supervision of a registered and currently licensed pharmacist at an internship centre approved by the PCN.
The registrar further said that the rapid development of science and the growing patient safety issues require pharmacists to maintain and update their competencies and skills at all times.
He explained that in this regard, implementing Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme is considered to be of utmost importance by the PCN and one of the criteria for licensure.
“This is also consistent with resolutions of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for all health professionals and directives of the Federal Ministry of Health issued at the maiden Health Summit in 1996.
“Thus, the MCPD programme is, among others, aimed at ensuring the continued relevance of pharmacists in the healthcare team with patients in focus. The MCPD programme has both online and onsite packages available,” he stated.
The registrar also said that the organization frowns at professional misconduct in its entirety.
” As such any form of misconduct by any pharmacist is usually investigated by the PCN investigating panel and if the pharmacists have a case to answer, he or she is referred to the disciplinary tribunal which would put the pharmacist on fair trial before pronouncement of any sort; this could lead to removal of name from the register for a given period of time during which he or she is not entitled to practice,” he added.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the Director, Food and Drug Services of the ministry, Pharm. Olubunmi Aribeana said that the inductee’s entry into the pharmacy profession comes at a time when Nigeria is making efforts to improve access to quality medicine, enhance patient Safety, and promote rational use of medicines.
He said their expertise, dedication, and adherence to ethical practice will be critical in achieving these goals.
While saying that he is encouraging local manufacturing, and creating job opportunities for youth, he urged the foreign-trained pharmacists to see the induction ceremony as a commitment to uphold the integrity of the profession, to serve patients with compassion, and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of health care in Nigeria.
He said ” As you are joining a noble profession that demands excellence, accountability and continuous learning on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, I congratulate each of you on this milestone. We look forward to your contributions in strengthening our health system, ensuring that practical services remain a cornerstone of our patient-centered care. In it, we all need these professionals. We want you to put that knowledge back into society and into our health sector.”
The Chairman of the governing council of PCN, Hajiya Wosilat Giwa said the FPGOP is a quality control mechanism that equips foreign-trained pharmacists with the requisite clinical, legal, regulatory, and social competencies necessary to practice pharmacy in Nigeria.
She said that by completing the programme, they have demonstrated the resilience and adaptability expected of a contemporary pharmacist.
She said, “You are now positioned to integrate your expertise with the unique realities of our healthcare system. As you take your oath today, you must recognize that your role as a pharmacist in public health embodies the trust the public places in you. The PCN mandates strict compliance with the highest ethical standards in the profession.”
She highlighted that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector is currently at a pivotal point, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing, advancing research and innovation, ensuring access to quality and safe medications, and enhancing primary healthcare services, among other priorities.
She said, ” Thus, your expertise is urgently required to optimize medication therapy management. To whom much is given, much is expected. The investment your families have made in you must now reflect in your service to humanity.”
She also urged the inductees to be lifelong learners, adding that the world of pharmacy is evolving rapidly with advances in artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and advanced biotechnology.
“Do not be stagnant. May your practice be impactful, and may your contributions enhance the health of our great nation,” she stated.
President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria ( PSN) Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim urged the inductees to be prepared to contribute meaningfully and positively to patient care, public health and research.
Represented by the treasurer of the association, Pharm. Jelili Kelani , he also enjoined them to leverage on technology to reach underserved population elements.
The registrar of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID) Dr Obi Adigwe, said there are opportunities that the newly inducted pharmacists could harness to develop not only their career, the nation and but the world at large.
