For many students, the path to their chosen career is straightforward, but for Abu David Adesesan, president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), at the University of Jos, the journey to Pharmacy was anything but smooth. After earning a BSc in Microbiology, completing his NYSC, and making five attempts at gaining admission into pharmacy school, Abu’s determination finally paid off when he enrolled in the accredited Pharm.D. programme at UNIJOS. In this exclusive interview with Adebayo Oladejo, he shares his academic and leadership journey, the challenges pharmacy students face at UNIJOS, and the innovative initiatives his administration has championed to empower students and transform pharmacy education in Plateau State. Excerpts:
Briefly tell us about your academic background and what inspired you to study Pharmacy at UNIJOS
I originally earned a B.Sc. in Microbiology and did my national youth service (NYSC) at the General Hospital Minna, Niger State. It was there, through the guidance of my roommate and mentor, Pharm. Elisha Dashut, that I rediscovered my passion for Pharmacy. After five unsuccessful attempts at direct entry into Aminu Bello University, Zaria, pharmacy programme, I applied to UNIJOS accredited Pharm.D and here I am.
What motivated you to run for the position of PANS president, and how would you describe your leadership journey so far?
My motivation sprang from a deep concern for student empowerment. Having led my microbiology student association, served as SUG vice-president, and acted as NYSC liaison officer for the Hospital Management Board in Niger State, I felt ready to contribute to PANS-UNIJOS.
From the moment I gained admission, I studied the chapter’s structure and began crafting strategies to support my peers. Leading this body has been rewarding: I’ve organised skills-development programmes, mentorship sessions, and welfare advocacy, and I find my greatest joy when colleagues message to thank me for these opportunities.
What are some of the major challenges pharmacy students face at UNIJOS, and what steps is your administration taking to address them?
Traditionally, pharmacy students were confined to hospital and community practice. Under Dean Ndidi Ngwuluka and in collaboration with PANS, we’ve diversified into research, pharmaceutical care, public-health advocacy, and policy engagement. We’ve established a mentor–mentee series linking students with professionals in academia, regulatory agencies, and global health. Our research think-tank provides seed funding for student-led projects, and our policy labs simulate regulatory drafting exercises to build hands-on advocacy skills.
Our administration has also launched skills-acquisition workshops, community medical outreaches, debate symposia to hone critical thinking, and academic competitions to recognise excellence. These initiatives are equipping students to become innovators, not just practitioners.
How would you rate the standard of pharmacy education at UNIJOS compared to other institutions in Nigeria? Are there areas you believe need improvement?
UNIJOS students are trained to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers, giving us an edge over many peers. Our lecturers continuously upskill to deliver cutting-edge instruction. However, industrial training and internship placements remain a challenge. To improve this, we’ve leveraged our alumni network and partnered with the Plateau State Drug Management Agency to guarantee internship placements for our members. We’ve also reached out to pharmaceutical companies to host industrial visits and pre-internship training; two firms have already committed, and we’re in talks with more.
What’s your view on the remuneration and job opportunities for young pharmacists in Nigeria today? Do you feel hopeful or concerned about life after graduation?
Competitive remuneration is essential to retain our talents. Pharm.D. students from UNIJOS are trained to deliver innovative solutions in virology and immunology, and we’ve invested heavily in skills beyond university walls. While we continue to lobby for better salary scales, I am optimistic: our comprehensive training positions us to serve locally and internationally.
What partnerships or initiatives has your administration introduced to enhance the academic, professional, or social wellbeing of pharmacy students in UNIJOS?
The 35th administration has formalised collaborations with the Young Pharmacists Group for mentorship, the Plateau State Drug Management Agency for workshops and internships, the PSN Plateau Chapter for joint health initiatives, and data-analytics professionals for certification courses. We also created a Welfare Fund offering food and tuition grants to students in need.
As you prepare to leave a legacy, what impact do you hope your tenure will have on PANS-UNIJOS, and what advice do you have for aspiring student leaders?
We’ve laid a solid foundation in empowerment and collaboration. I hope future leaders sustain this momentum by deepening alumni engagement and relentless advocacy for student welfare. My advice: cultivate genuine relationships, stay curious, and harness the power of structured advocacy to drive lasting institutional change.
