-As PANS holds annual symposium
Pharmacy students at the University of Lagos have been challenged to look beyond the traditional boundaries of the profession and equip themselves with the skills, innovation and adaptability required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic healthcare ecosystem.
The charge was given at the 2026 Symposium of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), University of Lagos Chapter, held at the New Great Hall of the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos, with the theme, “Pharmacy Without Borders: Diversifying Careers in a Changing Healthcare Ecosystem.”
Welcoming participants, PANS President, Rasheed Onabanjo, described the graduating class as a symbol of resilience, perseverance and determination, noting that the students had successfully navigated seven years marked by unprecedented challenges.
He said the symposium was designed not only to celebrate academic milestones but also to inspire future pharmacists as they prepare to explore new opportunities within and beyond the profession.
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Prof. Sunday Adewale Adesegun, said the theme reflected the evolving realities of modern pharmacy practice, stressing that the profession now extends beyond traditional roles into areas such as research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory affairs, biotechnology, digital health, entrepreneurship, public health and artificial intelligence.
He urged students to develop innovation, adaptability, leadership skills, entrepreneurial capacity and a global mindset, noting that the future healthcare environment requires pharmacists who can respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.
Representing the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. (Alh.) Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, the Society’s National Secretary, Pharm. Gafar Madehin, advised students to deliberately diversify their career paths while maintaining a strong professional foundation.
Madehin encouraged them to acquire complementary skills in management, technology and other relevant areas to enhance their chosen fields of practice. He also urged them to remain committed to the PSN and contribute actively to the growth and development of the profession.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of Drugstoc E-Hub, Dr Chibuzo Opara, the company’s Brand and Communications Manager, Pharm. Onyinye Chiekwe, said the future of Pharmacy belongs to professionals who can extend their expertise beyond conventional practice while maintaining strong foundations in pharmaceutical science.
She explained that “pharmacy without borders does not mean pharmacy without foundations,” adding that pharmacists must see their training as a platform for opportunities in technology, leadership, health innovation, communications, entrepreneurship and policy development.
She identified limited access to quality medicines, counterfeit medicines, digital transformation, skills gaps and health misinformation as some of the challenges requiring pharmacists to become innovators and solution providers.
During the panel session, former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, encouraged the students to pursue excellence and build competence that would position them for global relevance.
Sharing his professional journey from Pfizer to becoming a leading figure in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, Ohuabunwa urged young pharmacists not to wait for opportunities but to develop the capacity to solve problems and create value.
Speaking as Mother of the Day, Pharm. (Mrs) Folashade Olufunke Lawal, chief executive officer of Victory Drugs Pharmacy, described Pharmacy as a profession of unlimited possibilities, likening a Pharmacy degree to “a multinational passport” capable of opening doors across different sectors and countries.
She urged students to see themselves beyond medicine dispensing, encouraging them to identify opportunities where preventive healthcare, medicines, knowledge and compassion are needed.
The symposium brought together Pharmacy leaders, academics, industry executives, alumni and students to discuss emerging career pathways and reinforce the need for pharmacists to embrace innovation, leadership and multidisciplinary competencies required to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global healthcare environment.
PANS President, UNILAG, Rasheed Onabanjo, presenting an award plaque to Pharm. (Mrs.) Folashade Lawal, Mother of the Day, flanked by Prudentus Illo, immediate past PANS President, UNILAG, and Opeyemi Salami, former PANS President, UNILA.
A cross-section of PANS, UNILAG students at the Symposiu
