Pharmacy education in Nigeria is undergoing significant transformation, yet students continue to grapple with persistent challenges – from inadequate infrastructure to insufficient modern learning resources. In this exclusive interview, President of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS) at Niger Delta University, Darlington A. Dovieme tells Adebayo Oladejo about his journey from an aspiring medical student to pharmacy leadership, highlighting the struggles and reforms, as well as the future of pharmacy education in Nigeria. The 500-level scholar, who is an indigene of Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, also offers advice to youths aspiring to take up leadership roles in the future. Exceprts:
Tell us briefly about your academic background.
I had my primary and secondary education in Bayelsa State. Initially, I applied for Medicine at NDU but was admitted into Human Physiology. However, out of curiosity, I later transferred to Pharmacy.
What inspired you to take up the role of PANS president, and how has the experience been so far?
Initially, I had no particular inspiration to run, but I decided to contest alongside a close friend for the position of PANS vice president. After serving in that role, I realised the need for advocacy within the student community and how PANS could be instrumental in student development and well-being. That realisation motivated me to run for president.
As a student, I have always believed that the first step to a healthier society starts with leadership, and effective leadership is necessary for implementing change. PANS has been a fertile ground for grooming and nurturing future leaders. The experience has been worthwhile, though not without challenges. My tenure as PANS president at NDU has been memorable and has provided numerous networking opportunities, not only for me but also for the student community.
One of the most challenging experiences I have faced was leading a delegation of 25 students from PANS-NDU and PANS-DELSU to the 49th PANS National Convention. Our bus broke down at night due to taking the wrong route from Bayelsa to Kwara State, forcing us to sleep on the road. Though it was a difficult experience, overcoming it made me appreciate the journey and our participation at the convention even more.
Pharmacy education in Nigeria has faced several challenges. From your perspective, what are the major issues affecting pharmacy students today?
The current pharmacy school curriculum does not meet the standards of modern pharmacy practice. Additionally, pharmacy schools should have their own separate academic calendars due to the rigorous and extensive nature of the programme. Another major issue is the inadequate provision of practical experiences. Many students graduate without the necessary hands-on exposure to thrive as professionals, creating a gap between academia and industry.
What specific challenges do pharmacy students at NDU face, and how is PANS working to address them?
At NDU, pharmacy students face several challenges, including understaffing, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate laboratory equipment. The faculty is split between two campuses, with the administrative block at the new site and laboratories at the College of Health Sciences. This setup requires students to shuttle between campuses daily, making transportation a major issue.
Final-year students struggle with research due to poorly equipped laboratories, often having to send samples to other institutions for analysis. The quality of practical sessions has also declined significantly. Additionally, the faculty has only one barely functional Coaster bus, which cannot accommodate even half of a class, affecting clerkship and industrial field trips.
To address these challenges, PANS-NDU has formally requested two additional buses from the Ministry of Health and plans to follow up with the deputy governor’s office. We have also arranged for buses to transport students between campuses during exams to ease mobility challenges.
The transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme has been a major shift in pharmacy education. How has this affected students at NDU, and what challenges or benefits have you observed?
The transition to PharmD has been beneficial, as students are more excited and committed to their academic pursuits. The curriculum has expanded to cover more areas of modern pharmacy practice. However, the workload has also increased significantly. Despite this challenge, students have become more invested in their studies to earn this newly accredited degree.
Beyond academics, pharmacy students often struggle with internship placements, industrial training, and career development. What do you think can be done to improve these aspects?
A centralised internship application system should be implemented, allowing students to apply to multiple institutions using a single set of application materials rather than submitting separate applications to each institution. Industrial training should be restructured to include periodic postings to pharmaceutical industries instead of requiring students to secure placements on their own.
Career development should be prioritised by encouraging students to identify mentors who can guide them in their professional journeys. Sensitisation programmes on career development, as well as initiatives like PIH and MCN, should be integrated into PANS activities and supported by the faculties of pharmacy.
What steps do you think the government, universities, and professional bodies should take to improve pharmacy education in Nigeria?
Government should increase funding for institutions and teaching hospitals and enforce stringent regulations for pharmaceuticals and pharmacy practice. Universities should invest in industry-standard manufacturing facilities within pharmacy faculties to provide hands-on experience for students. They should also increase faculty staff capacity and improve laboratory structures with high-quality equipment.
What advice do you have for pharmacy students aspiring to take up leadership roles?
Leadership is challenging, but you can improve your effectiveness by listening more, reading widely, and understanding people’s traits. Things may not always go as planned, and your ability to navigate challenges and make critical decisions defines your leadership strength.
Moreover, leadership thrives on unity. Always make time to engage with your followers, showing them you are accessible and available to address their concerns. Identify your leadership style and refine it. Leading people is more complex than it seems, so learn to manage your emotions.
Lastly, what makes a leader stand out is the ability to propose solutions in times of uncertainty—so never stop learning and acquiring knowledge.
