The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) made history recently when it held the first induction/oath-taking ceremony for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduands in Nigeria.
Bayero University, it should be noted, is the first university in Nigeria to hold induction and oath-taking ceremony for PharmD graduands in Nigeria after the programme was approved in 2016 by the National Universities Commission (NUC) under Professor Rasheed Abubakar as the head of the commission.
Having pioneered the six-year programme in Nigeria in 2017, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BUK on 30 November, 2023, graduated 30 Doctor of Pharmacy students, who were inducted into the Pharmacy profession by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Thus, the 30 students became the first PharmD graduands to be inducted into the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.
In his remark at the induction/oath-taking ceremony, PCN Registrar, Pharm. Babashehu Ahmed charged the inductees to be ethical in all they will be doing. He also urged them to work to advance the healthcare sector while focusing on the patients.
While speaking in a brief chat with Pharmanewsonline, Ahmed congratulated the newly inducted pharmacists, saying their induction is the beginning of a new dawn, adding that they are better positioned and expected to marry their scientific and clinical knowledge together to improve patients’ clinical communication, patients’ outcomes and as well provide intervention when the need arises.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas in his remarks congratulated the graduands, saying the induction is the beginning of countless new adventures for them. According to the VC, induction is a time for reflection, celebration. He charged the inductees that their induction into the Pharmacy profession is a special moment for them to honour their words and keep to the rules and regulations of the Pharmacy profession.
He said “Doctor of Pharmacy is a prestigious degree of which Bayero University Kano took upon itself to venture for the benefit of the society. This degree is the first of its kind awarded by Bayero University Kano in Nigeria with the official approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Accordingly, these graduands will be the first holders of the degree to be inducted by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and thus, first set of pharmacists to practice with the degree in Nigeria. The management of the university will continue to support the faculty to reach its potential”.
In his contribution, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Professor Sani Malami, pointed out that the PharmD curriculum is very comprehensive and is adequately structured to address present challenges of pharmacy practice in Nigeria; from products sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, and distribution to the provision of acceptable pharmaceutical care for the overall benefit of patients.
He posited that PharmD holders are trained to practice within the scope of the Pharmacy profession. He expressed confidence that the inductees have acquired adequate training and professional skills that would enable them to compete favourably among their peers within and outside the country.
He charged them to go out to the larger society and as well uphold principles of professionalism by being worthy ambassadors of the faculty and the university. He also urged them to be pragmatic, innovative, and uphold high ethical professional values in their career endeavours.
While speaking in his keynote address titled “The Pharmacy profession in the 21st century: PharmD in perspective”, the former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai noted that the Pharmacy profession in the 21st century is evolving remarkably, with PharmD playing a critical role. He described PharmD as a fascinating journey where science, technology, and patient care intersect, shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
According to the former PSN president, even though the B. Pharm curriculum was good at its inception, particularly with the sound scientific principles in the programme, it is gradually running out of relevance to emerging Pharmacy needs and practices in the 21st century, noting that the PharmD programme will better meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.
Pharm. Yakasai explained that there has been a global shift in focus, over the past few decades, in undergraduate pharmacy training from one that is product-centered to a patient-centered one and this is due to the increased complexity of modern medicines and the need to optimise their benefits to patients.
He added that the Pharmacy profession like every other profession keeps pace with dynamics of life and has metamorphosed, to respond to demands from the healthcare system as well as the need for alignment with national priorities and global needs which brought about PharmD.
According to him, the PharmD curriculum provides pharmacists with specialised clinical training that focuses on the development of professional competencies and confidence in the provision of evidence-based patient-oriented care; and provides students with a broad and balanced foundation in all the areas of pharmaceutical knowledge.
Pharm. Yakasai added that the PharmD programme develops in the students, the ability to apply pharmaceutical knowledge in the healthcare delivery system and at the same time provides students with pharmaceutical knowledge and professional skills to identify and resolve drug-related problems.
He however urged the inductees to embrace learning, build relationships, be adaptable to new technology, and also uphold the highest ethical standards in all their professional endeavors. He said “trust, honesty, and integrity are invaluable in pharmacy practice. Remember, as pioneers from your faculty and university, you have the chance to set high standards and make a significant impact in the pharmacy profession.
The occasion was under the Chairmanship of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, former vice-chancellor ABU Zaria, with special vote of thanks offered by a faculty elder and mentor in person of Prof. Lawal Alhassan Bichi, chairman, Board of Trustees of the West African Society for Pharmacology.
Also present at the induction/oat-taking ceremony were Prof. Sani Gumel, deputy vice -chancellor Academic, BUK; Prof. Mahmud Sani Umar, deputy vice-chancellor, Management Services, BUK; Prof. Tijjani Darma, provost, College of Natural and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Prof. Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, chief medical director, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH); Prof. Auwalu Gajida, chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, AKTH.
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