Pharmacy education in Nigeria continues to evolve, but student engagement within professional associations remains a growing concern across several institutions. In this exclusive interview, the president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Joseph Eseoghene Otirhue, speaks on the challenges of sustaining active student participation, strengthening academic and professional development, and repositioning the association for greater impact within and beyond the university. He also outlines efforts to build stronger collaboration, improve visibility, and ensure that every student feels carried along in association activities. Excerpts:
Tell us briefly about your academic background.
My academic journey has been shaped by consistent learning, discipline, and increasing interest in both the academic and professional dimensions of Pharmacy. Over time, I have also developed leadership experience through student engagement and association activities within the faculty.
As the current president of PANS-IUO, what vision are you bringing to the association?
My vision is simple: a PANS that works for every student. Not just active on paper, but visible in impact. I am focused on building a system where academic excellence, professional exposure, and student welfare move together. I want every PANSite to feel represented, informed, and empowered, whether they are outspoken or not.
What would you say are the biggest challenges pharmacy students face today, particularly in IUO?
One major challenge is the gap between academic learning and practical exposure. Students are learning a lot, but not always seeing how it connects to real-world pharmacy practice. Another major issue is low student engagement, as many students feel disconnected from PANS activities. In addition, academic pressure and financial strain continue to affect student welfare and participation.
How is your administration working to improve academic and professional development for pharmacy students?
We are taking a more structured approach by organising targeted tutorials, revision sessions, and exam preparation support. On the professional side, we are introducing career talks, engaging industry pharmacists, and exposing students early to different pharmacy pathways, including clinical, industrial, regulatory, and entrepreneurial practice.
Student engagement is often a concern. What strategies are you using to actively involve members in PANS activities?
We are deliberately shifting from passive programmes to more interactive engagement. This includes peer-led sessions, academic competitions, small group discussions, and practical workshops. We are also improving communication so that students are always aware of activities and feel more included in decision-making and participation.
In what ways is PANS IUO collaborating with other health-related associations or external bodies?
We are building stronger relationships with other health-related associations, such as medicine, nursing, and medical laboratory science to encourage interprofessional learning. We are also strengthening ties with alumni and practising pharmacists to create mentorship opportunities, professional exposure, and networking platforms for students.
With the evolving healthcare space, how are you preparing students for future opportunities in the pharmacy profession?
The healthcare space is changing rapidly, so we are exposing students to emerging areas such as digital health, pharmaceutical innovation, and global career opportunities. The focus is no longer just on passing examinations, but on developing adaptable skills that will remain relevant across different sectors of pharmacy practice.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind at the end of your tenure as PANS President?
I want to leave behind a PANS that is structured, student-centred, and sustainable. A system that continues to function effectively even after leadership transitions. If the next administration can build on what we have started without difficulty, then I believe we would have achieved something meaningful.
What advice would you give to pharmacy students aspiring to take up leadership roles?
Don’t chase positions; build capacity first. Leadership in PANS is service, not status. Learn to listen more, stay consistent, and deliver on even small responsibilities. That is how trust is built. When the opportunity comes, step forward with confidence; you are more prepared than you think.
