– As VC pleads with PCN to review admission quota

Prof. Chinedum Babalola, vice chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has called on pharmacy school administrators as well as pharmacists in practice to embrace the wind of disruptive technology blowing across the profession.

Delivering the keynote address at the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 18 pharmacy graduates of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) recently, Babalola stated that the old ways of impacting knowledge were gradually giving way due to technological advancement.

“I am happy that UNILORIN has also taken the bull by the horn by commencing its PharmD programme. This is exactly how the success story of Amazon started when Jeff Bezos (owner) evolved from selling books to becoming one of the biggest online retail giant.

“Unlike in the past, today’s students are now allowed to own and use phones for research and academic study. Schools no longer see them as objects of distraction but objects of disruptive innovation,” she emphasised.

While describing Pharmacy as the first daughter of medicine (or the healing arts, as it was called), the keynote speaker reminisced that people like her were fortunate to find themselves in the profession even though she originally wanted to study Mathematics or Agriculture.

“Nevertheless, I settled for it and resolved to give it all it took. And, of course, this was what has brought me this far. Let me also state that of all the challenges plaguing the profession, lack of enabling environment remains one of the biggest.

“Other obstacles include poverty, low knowledge of the profession, low morale, lack of political will, poor access to medicine, among others,” she said.

Crediting Emmanuel Caulcrick as the first registered pharmacist in Nigeria, Babalola urged the graduating students to be proactive by doing more than just leaving their alma mater with good grades

“As a parting gift, I want to encourage you to think outside the box, own the drugs, own the profession and rule your world,” she charged them.

In his opening remarks, Pharm. N. A. E. Mohammed, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), represented by Pharm. Anthony Idoko, congratulated the graduands, parents, UNILORIN vice chancellor, academic and non-academic staff of the institution, noting that the faculty was living up to standard.

“These promising young men and ladies here today have completed the first phase of their training as professionals and are now fit to compete favourably with their colleagues in all areas of practice for services to humanity and also to God.

“The second phase of your Pharmacy training starts with the one-year statutory internship programme, which is compulsory for all pharmacists in Nigeria, including those who trained abroad without evidence of licensure in countries of practice,” he said.

Mohammed who expressed disapproval of professional misconduct in its entirety, revealed that any report of misconduct by a pharmacist is usually investigated by the PCN investigating panel which refers erring pharmacists to the disciplinary tribunal (having the same status as a Federal High Court) when found guilty.

“Note that sentences such as removal of a pharmacist’s name from the pharmaceutical register for a given period of time could be passed.

“This is why I enjoin you to keep off the Register-And-Go syndrome that has tarnished the image of pharmacists and brought the profession to ridicule. Learn to always uphold the ethics of the profession at all times,” he charged.

The PCN also counselled the university management to always retain its best students for internship and official engagement.

“I also want to sound the note of advice to the new graduands. Do not fill your career with abandoned projects; make purposeful changes in life to complement your experience; be focused and wait patiently for your time,” Mohammed charged.

In a related development, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, vice chancellor, UNILORIN, has made a passionate appeal to the leadership of the PCN to review its admission quota.

“I sincerely want to push for an adjustment in your admission quota. Please find a way of increasing it because we need to further encourage people to consider Pharmacy in our admission process.

“I once spoke with Late Prof. Abdulkarim Agunu and others to see how they can encourage graduands to opt for teaching and academics because it is the only way to sustain quality education and continuity,” he appealed.

Poised to improve access to safe and essential medicines, which is crucial to reducing ill-health, infant and maternal mortality rate, the Immediate Past President (IPP) of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ahmed I.Yakasai, has launched Safe Medicines Foundation (SMF).

Yakasai, who unveiled the Foundation, during the sent forth, organised in his honour by his friends and associates, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, recently, stated the objectives of the Foundation as follows: “To become the trusted go-to resources that can help consumers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, policy makers and the government navigate the complex and dangerous world of substandard and falsified (fake) medicines”.

Decrying the poor state of healthcare delivery in the country, which is fraught by fake or substandard and falsified products, coupled with limited access to quality healthcare, the PSN IPP called for the collaboration of stakeholders to rectify the ills in the system, in order to have a healthy socity.

His words: “It really hurts to see fake or substandard and falsified products circulating in our country maiming innocent citizens. And I believe with sincere heart and encouragement from people like you we can confront this monster. So together, let’s make a positive impact and rescue our people and it can be you or me as a victim.

“As we all know, essential medicines save lives and improve health when they are available, affordable, of assured quality and properly used. Hence, our citizens around the nooks and crannies of Nigeria deserve access to safe, standard, efficacious and cost-effective medicines. Safe Medicines Foundation aims to become the trusted go-to resources that can help consumers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, policy makers and the government navigate the complex and dangerous world of substandard and falsified (fake) medicines.

“SMF will leave no stone unturned and work round the clock with all relevant stakeholders engaged in the medicines supply chain and regulators/Donors like NAFDAC, PCN, USP etc to make sure that patient safety, quality medicines and healthcare are priorities for decision makers. Every day, our children are killed, our pregnant women are murdered, our elders are giving up the ghost and our hardworking men and women are dying because of lack of access to safe medicines. We can do something. We will do something and with your support we shall do something”, he quipped.

He however, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his friends, among whom were:Dr Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Pharm. Onyeka Onyeibor;  Pharm. Theodore Okafor;  Mr Ken Ofulue of Iroko Capital;  Dr Fidelis Ayebae, Lekan/Sammy, Emeka Obi; Dr Chimezie Anyakora , and others, for sponsoring the event.

Below is the list of members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation:

1. Pharm. Ahmed I Yakasai, Founder and Chairman
2. Dr (Pharm.) Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Co-Founder and Executive Director/Secretary
3. Dr Chimezie Anyakora, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman
4. Pharm. Sesan Ahmad Kareem, PRO
5. Pharm. Onyeka Onyeibor, Treasurer
6. Mr Hakeem Ogunniran, Member
7. Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, Member
8. Pharm. Lekan Asuni, Member
9. Dr Hassana H Adamu, Member
10. Pharm. Ikenna Anthony Onuchukwu, Member
11. Prof. Peace Chinedum Babalola , Member
12. Sir Bright Ekweremadu, Member
13. Pharm Abimbola O Adebakin, Member
14. Dr Femi Ogunremi, Member
15. Barr. Naser Abdu Dangiri, SAN, FCIArb, Legal Adviser/Member

Hundreds of pharmacists from community pharmacies, hospital practice and other arms of the profession turned up at the Bayelsa State’s first ever pharmaceutical fair.

The two-day event which was officially flagged off by the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, also witnessed a remarkable turnout of nurses, doctors and patent medicine dealers.

Speaking at the occasion, Dickson told newsmen that he was quite impressed with the turnout of people and the level of organization at the pharmaceutical fair.

“With what I have seen so far, I can say the days of fake drugs in Bayelsa are clearly over. I have also directed that all public healthcare facility in the State should make their drugs procurement from nowhere else but this centre.

“And from the ongoing engagement between the health team and our private healthcare providers, in no time all drugs in Bayelsa will have an identifiable source,” he reassured.

His view was equally shared by Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, State commissioner for health, who believed strongly that continual hosting of such pharma exhibition would ensure people have access to good, quality and affordable drugs.

“This is a very good innovation. I also think this is the place where one can be sure that all drugs one is getting are NAFDAC-certified,” he noted.

In her opening address, Pharm. Tamaraotare Johnson, managing director, Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Company (BSDDC) disclosed that the 2018 Pharmaceutical Expo was the first ever to be held by any distribution centre, drug revolving fund centre or central medical store in the country.

“What we did basically was to provide a platform for pharmaceutical companies to interact with our public healthcare facilities and private healthcare providers.

“The essence was to help the healthcare facilities to understand new market trends and key into it. Inviting pharma companies to showcase their products is also a means to curb the influx of fake and unwholesome medicines into the State,” she stressed.

According to Pharm. Felix Adomokeme, head of marketing, Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Company, who also doubled as chairman, local organising committee for the fair, the turnout of participants at the two-day expo was quite satisfactory and has further encouraged the BSDDC to start projecting increased participation from neighboring states for the 2019 edition.

“Thus we believe that subsequent years will require a bigger venue with improved and increased collaborations and partnerships. Definitely, it will get bigger and better,” he opined.

In a related development, Dr (Mrs) Bio Joseph, chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Bayelsa state chapter trumped up support for the drug expo saying it was a welcome development.

“We know that there are illegal markets where drugs are being sold. Those environments are not conducive enough for drugs to be stored. We are looking forward to a time when those markets shall be closed,” she said.

Some of the top pharma exhibitors on display were Philips Pharmaceuticals, Tamar & Pharez, WWCVL, Tricare, Clarion, Pharmacyplus, New Heights, Bond, Elmarine, Solid Accord, Biofem, Phamatex, SKG, Emzor, Marcson, Reals, Generix Global, Pemason, Shalina Healthcare, Aquatix, Seaduck, and GSK.

Others were Reckitt, Codix, Agary, Assenex, Elbe, Tah Pharma, Grace Drugs, Aphantee, SKT, Avropharma, Almond Ethicals, Getz, Geneith, Miraflash, Orange Drugs, DKT, Geneith and Servier.

Sequel to the several health challenges encountered in different parts of the world in the previous year, which included: outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria, antimicrobial resistance, growing rates of obesity and physical inactivity, environmental pollution, climate change, etc, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has come up with a 5-year strategic plan, titled – the 13th General Programme of Work, to tackle these health conditions.

The new report from the apex health institution revealed the ten most common health issues, which are described as threats to human beings, and will be the focus of the 5-year health  plan of the WHO.

The release stated that the new programme will emphasise a triple billion target: “Ensuring 1 billion more people benefit from access to universal health coverage, 1 billion more people are protected from health emergencies and 1 billion more people enjoy better health and well-being. Reaching this goal will require addressing the threats to health from a variety of angles”.

Below are 10 of the many issues that will demand attention from WHO and health partners in 2019, as stated by the release.

Air pollution and climate change

Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day. In 2019, air pollution is considered by WHO as the greatest environmental risk to health. Microscopic pollutants in the air can penetrate respiratory and circulatory systems, damaging the lungs, heart and brain, killing 7 million people prematurely every year from diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart and lung disease. Around 90% of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, with high volumes of emissions from industry, transport and agriculture, as well as dirty cookstoves and fuels in homes.

Noncommunicable diseases

Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, are collectively responsible for over 70% of all deaths worldwide, or 41 million people. This includes 15 million people dying prematurely, aged between 30 and 69.

Over 85% of these premature deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. The rise of these diseases has been driven by five major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and air pollution. These risk factors also exacerbate mental health issues, that may originate from an early age: half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated – suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds.

Global influenza pandemic

The world will face another influenza pandemic – the only thing we don’t know is when it will hit and how severe it will be. Global defences are only as effective as the weakest link in any country’s health emergency preparedness and response system.

Influenza

More than 1.6 billion people (22% of the global population) live in places where protracted crises (through a combination of challenges such as drought, famine, conflict, and population displacement) and weak health services leave them without access to basic care.

Fragile settings exist in almost all regions of the world, and these are where half of the key targets in the sustainable development goals, including on child and maternal health, remains unmet.

Antimicrobial resistance

The development of antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials are some of modern medicine’s greatest successes. Now, time with these drugs is running out. Antimicrobial resistance – the ability of bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi to resist these medicines – threatens to send us back to a time when we were unable to easily treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis. The inability to prevent infections could seriously compromise surgery and procedures such as chemotherapy.

Resistance to tuberculosis drugs is a formidable obstacle to fighting a disease that causes around 10 million people to fall ill, and 1.6 million to die, every year. In 2017, around 600 000 cases of tuberculosis were resistant to rifampicin – the most effective first-line drug – and 82% of these people had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis..

Ebola and other high-threat pathogens

In 2018, the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw two separate Ebola outbreaks, both of which spread to cities of more than 1 million people. One of the affected provinces is also in an active conflict zone.

This shows that the context in which an epidemic of a high-threat pathogen like Ebola erupts is critical –  what happened in rural outbreaks in the past doesn’t always apply to densely populated urban areas or conflict-affected areas.

Weak primary health care

Primary healthcare is usually the first point of contact people have with their health care system, and ideally should provide comprehensive, affordable, community-based care throughout life.

Primary healthcare can meet the majority of a person’s health needs of the course of their life. Health systems with strong primary health care are needed to achieve universal health coverage.

Vaccine hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy – the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines – threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of avoiding disease – it currently prevents 2-3 million deaths a year, and a further 1.5 million could be avoided if global coverage of vaccinations improved.

Measles, for example, has seen a 30% increase in cases globally. The reasons for this rise are complex, and not all of these cases are due to vaccine hesitancy. However, some countries that were close to eliminating the disease have seen a resurgence.

Dengue

Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that causes flu-like symptoms and can be lethal and kill up to 20% of those with severe dengue, has been a growing threat for decades.

An estimated 40% of the world is at risk of dengue fever, and there are around 390 million infections a year. WHO’s Dengue control strategy aims to reduce deaths by 50% by 2020.

HIV

The progress made against HIV has been enormous in terms of getting people tested, providing them with antiretrovirals (22 million are on treatment), and providing access to preventive measures such as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, which is when people at risk of HIV take antiretrovirals to prevent infection).

However, the epidemic continues to rage with nearly a million people every year dying of HIV/AIDS. Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have acquired the infection, and about 35 million people have died. Today, around 37 million worldwide live with HIV. Reaching people like sex workers, people in prison, men who have sex with men, or transgender people is hugely challenging. Often these groups are excluded from health services. A group increasingly affected by HIV are young girls and women (aged 15–24), who are particularly at high risk and account for 1 in 4 HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa despite being only 10% of the population.

WHO

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), has inducted 102 graduands of the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University, Okada.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the oath taking and induction ceremony of the 2017/2018 session, held at the university’s main auditorium, Okada, Edo, on Friday.

The Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, who was represented by Prof. Deborah Odejimi, said “oath taking is a promise to God and man, to stand by the laws and ethics of pharmacy.

“An oath is a formal and serious promise to tell the truth or to do something”.

Ezemonye, who urged the graduates to use their knowledge to promote good health in the society, added that a world without a doctor or pharmacist is not complete.

Dr Ighodaro Igbe, dean, College of Pharmacy, who inducted the graduates, said the college had been fully accredited by the PCN, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Ighodaro, who thanked God for the life of the students, said that no fewer than 533 pharmacists had graduated from the university’s college of pharmacy since its establishment.

According to him, the graduates are expected to acquaint themselves with the code of professional ethics.

“The oath prescribes their professional and moral responsibilities to the patients, pharmacy college, as well as other professionals”.

He thanked the parents of the new pharmacists for entrusting their children into the hands of the lecturers in the university.

Earlier, Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin kingdom, urged the inductees to always stand by the laws guiding the practice of pharmacy.

He advised them to do better than their predecessors, as they had been given the best training from one of the best universities in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2017/2018 academic session induction ceremony is the eighth by the institution.

NAN

The leadership of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve all pending issues with the body; else they will resume their suspended industrial action by Thursday 31 January 2019.

In a 14-day strike notice letter written to the Minister of Labour & Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, JOHESU Chairman, Comrade Biobelemoye Josiah expressed the dissatisfaction of his members with the government, for delaying to fulfill the agreement reached with them some years back.

“In view of the apparent indifference of government to permanently resolve these lingering issues, some of which have persisted for over five years now, the Joint Health Sector Unions by this letter notifies the Federal Government of her resolve to resume the suspended industrial action by Thursday, 31st January, 2019. Having waited for this long it is surprising that the following matters have not been resolved”, Josiah noted.

He highlighted the issues at stake to include : upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS); unjustified withholding of the salaries of JOHESU members for the months of April and May, 2018 and headship of hospital departments. Others are non-promotion of members on CONHESS 14 – 15 as Directors in some Federal Health Institutions, and implementation of Consultancy Cadre to JOHESU members.

It will be recalled that JOHESU suspended its 44-day industrial action on 31 May, 2018, due to the untold sufferings of the masses, who could not access healthcare during the prolonged strike, to resume mediation process, but it appears mediation has not yielded their desired results.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Aliyu Balarabe as the medical director (MD), Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

According to a press statement signed by a spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Health, Boade Akinola, on Wednesday, Mr Balarabe’s appointment is for an initial first term of four years.

Ms Akinola said the appointment was confirmed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

She said Mr Balarabe’s appointment takes effect from December 27, 2018.

Congratulating Mr Balarabe on his appointment, the Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, reminded him of the enormous responsibilities of his office and the yearning of Nigerians for an effective and responsive healthcare delivery system.

Mr Ehanire further urged the new official to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the discharge of his duties so as to take health care delivery to a greater height.

Governor of Nassarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday told participants at the first international conference on Lassa fever in Abuja how he contracted the disease in 1990 that made him deaf for 20 years before he had a cochlear implant.

The governor said he lost his first son to Lassa fever nine years after marriage, the second son survived but with the burden of the side effects of the virus, neurological problems, especially hearing loss.

Al-Makura said he got infected when he was bitten on his finger while trying to prevent his then sick son from biting his tongue. He said he later fell sick with severe headache, seizures, cough, stomachache and erratic breathing.

According to him, it took the intervention of a foremost virologist and head of the National Lassa Fever Committee, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, who came to visit him at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Plateau State, to be saved.

Al-Makura said that Tomori immediately instructed that he should be taken to EKO Hospital in Lagos and his blood sample sent to the United States Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta Georgia. The governor was diagnosed positive to the virus after two weeks.

Al-Makura said in order to eradicate Lassa fever and other infectious diseases, his administration was building a comprehensive diagnostic centre in Lafia, which is nearing completion. He also said that his administration had established a special school in Lafia to cater for people with disabilities such as the blind, the deaf, the lame and those with down syndrome for free, as from kindergarten to secondary school.

“I stand as a product of the tragedy of Lassa fever. I was completely deaf and had to be living with that for 20 years and I was using hearing aid until I had cochlear implant that mechanically processes the sound. I endured a certain measure of deafness. It was the same with my son who was able to survive.

“I consider myself very lucky. I have survived to tell my story. I encourage all of us to rise up to the challenge. I can feel the endless psychological trauma. I am a product of the tragedy of Lassa fever. There is the adage that there is ability in disability. I believe with a conference like this, we will be able to protect a lot of people who would have been disabled. So let us try as much as possible to prevent diseases.

“I got elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. In 2012, I led the Bill on persons with disabilities to the National Assembly. My executive bill in Nassarawa State on persons with disabilities has been passed by the House Assembly. I have signed into law the Nassarawa State Disability Law.”

“Above all, this is my contribution to the eradication of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases. I am saying thank you God for keeping my life. Let us rise to the challenge and defeat Lassa fever once and for all,” the governor appealed.

The Guardian

For community pharmacists who have always been experiencing huge losses through expired products, respite has come their way, as Nearexpiry Limited, a duly registered Nigerian-based online sales and marketing company, with special interest in products with near expiry dates, recently launched its Application on Google Play Store.

Speaking with Pharmanewsonline.com recently, on the concept of Nearexpiry deals, the Founder/Director, Nearexpiry Deals, Pharm. Obi Egbuonye, who was at our corporate head office, in Mende, Maryland, explained how he came about the idea from the experience he got while shopping with a colleague at a UK mall, during his last visit to the United Kingdom.

He narrated how he would have bought the same quantity of meat at ten pounds more than the actual price he got it, at a near expiry mall in the UK.

His words: “I was in the UK for my secondary school old boys’ association reunion last year, and we had to do a family carnival. In preparation, we needed to buy some foodstuffs, one of which was meat. So we went to the mall and I was going straight to the meat section, but my colleague we went together was going towards the back of the mall, and he signalled me, so I followed him.

“When we got there, we saw meat in large quantity, at £ 5.99, which was to serve like fifteen people. By the time we were leaving the mall, my friend said we should check for the price of the same quantity of meat in the front section of the mall, and it was £15.99. So I asked why the wide margin in price? Then he explained that the one we bought was best before 3 days, and our carnival was the next day, so he said, what was the point of buying at £15.99, when it will be consumed the next day. So when I returned to Nigeria, I said this nearexpiry idea will be of great benefit to community pharmacists, to close the gap of losses via expired drugs. Thus, the idea of nearexpiry is extended from drugs to provisions and other consumables”, he explained.

Highlighting the benefits of Nearexpiry deals to retail pharmacists and other outlets, he said first and foremost, it is a means to cut down on the inventory loss of the owner of the business. And for the man on the street, it is a plus for him too, because that item he would buy for 3X naira, he will get it for X naira.

He further explained the logic behind Nearexpiry deals, stating that since retailers do not want their products to expire on their shelves, the first thing they will do is to discount their prices, so when prices are discounted, the consumer who has limited budget, on so many things will also come to buy those things because the products will still have the same quality before expiring. “It is a win win situation, for the consumers as well as the retailers”, he quipped.

Although the firm is still operating through the App for now, he said the vision is to expand it into physical outlets, with branches all over the country.”Then the bigger picture is the establishment of nearexpiry physical outlets, which is for me the real thing. In the coming years, we will begin to have nearexpiry Maryland, nearexpiry Okokomaiko, with a big warehouse, where people can easily walk in to get medicines and consumables at very discounted rates. So we are going to have nearexpiry Onitsha, nearexpiry Awka, nearexpiry Ibadan, etc.,” he stated.

Tuesday, 15 January 2019, will remain a memorable day for Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, the immediate past president  (IPP) of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), as he was officially sent  forth  by the PSN new national executives, led by the President, Mazi (Pharm.) Sam Ohuabunwa, at the Pharmacy House, Anthony Village, Lagos.

Extolling the impactful character and administration of Yakasai, Mazi Ohuabunwa described him as a quintessential leader, whose admirable qualities are attested to by every staff member that worked with him.

While expressing the satisfaction of all members of staff and executives with Yakasai, Mazi  Ohuabunwa noted that his legacy will not be forgotten, as the new executives will endeavour to consolidate on his achievements to take the Society to the next level.

Yakasai, on his part appreciated the PSN President, the National Secretary, the National Treasurer and all staff of PSN for bestowing on him such honour. He expressed his heartfelt delight  for having working relationship with them, while he urged the staff to extend to the new PSN President , the same level of support and cooperation they gave him.

While assuring them of his readiness to assist, whenever his attention is needed. he noted that he has dedicated his life for the Pharmacy profession and in whatever ways he can contribute to the profession, he will always be available.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has invited interested and qualified Nigerians to participate in the 2019/2020 nomination Computer Based Test (CBT) for the Federal Government Scholarship Awards in the following areas:

1.0  Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)

• Undergraduate (UG) studies tenable in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, Serbia, Hungary, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Cuba, Romania, Ukraine, Japan, Macedonia; and
• Postgraduate (PG) studies tenable in Russia (for those whose first degrees were obtained from Russia), China, Hungary, Serbia, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, South Korea.
• All qualified candidates are advised to:
• Visit Federal Ministry of Education’s website www.education.gov.ng and click on READ MORE on Federal Scholarship Board ICON on the Home Page:  .
• Read guidelines and then complete the application form online
• Print the completed Application Form d. Submit two sets of the Printed Application Forms at the venue of the interview as scheduled below.

3.0 Fields of Study

• Undergraduate level – Engineering, Geology, Agriculture, Sciences, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Biotechnology, Architecture, Medicine (very limited), Languages,  Sports, Law, etc.
• Postgraduate level (Masters Degree and Ph.D) in all fields.

4.0  Criteria for Eligibility

1. UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS: All applicants for undergraduate degree courses must possess a minimum qualification of Five (5) Distinctions (As & Bs) in the Senior Secondary School Certificates, WAEC (May/June) only in the subjects relevant to their fields of study including English Language and Mathematics. Certificates should not be more than Two (2) years old (2017& 2018) for African countries the age of certificate is one year (2018) only . Age limit is from 18 to 20 years.

1. POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS: All applicants for Undergraduate degree courses must hold a First Class (1st Degree with at least 2nd  Class Upper Division. The applicants who are previous recipients of  Foreign Awards must have completed at least two (2) years post qualification or employment practice in Nigeria. All applicants must have completed N.Y.S.C. Age limit is 35 years for Masters and 40 years for Ph.D. and only:

• Y.S.C discharge or exemption certificates only are accepted;
• Evidence of readiness to be released by employer.

NOTE (For all Applicants):

• Since the BEA countries are non-English speaking, applicants should be prepared to undertake a mandatory one year foreign Languare course of the country of choice which will be the standard medium of instruction;
• Japan applicants must have very strong background in further mathematics;
• The required certificates for candidates applying for Iman Preachers and Quaranic Professor for Islamic Religious studies in Algeria is WAEC as in other scholarship awards;
• All applicants for Hungarian Scholarship can apply for up to two fields of study in order of preference; and
• All applicants for Hungarian Scholarships must visit the website: stipendiumhungaricum.hu before 15th january, 2019. Complete the application form online   Print the completed form and bring to the interview venue in addition to 2.0 above.

5.0 VENUE OF INTERVIEW: All eligible applicants are to  report for interview at the venues scheduled for accredidation a day to the date scheduled for examination. Two sets of completed application forms should be submitted at the various JAMB CBT centres with the following attachments:

• Two sets of Photocopies of Educational Certificates and Testimonials of previous schools attended with the originals for sighting;
• Only one certificate is accepted i.e WAEC of May/June for Undergraduate applicants; Two copies of Birth Certificate from National Population Commission; . State of origin/LGA certificate duly signed, stamped and dated;
• Four (4) coloured passport sized photographs on white background; and
• Postgraduate applicatns will be required to submit Academic transcripts and NYSC discharge or Exemption certificates only. NB: Candidates nominated by the Board will be required to submit to Federal Scholarship Board the following: i) Authenticated copies of academic certificates;  ii) Data page of current International passport; and iii) Specified Medical Reports from Government hospitals. iv) Police Clearance Certificate where necessary.

1. NIGERIA AWARD SCHOLARSHIP (NA) 2019/2020 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TENABLE IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUIONS FOR NA, SDG (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS) FOR GIRLS ONLY

THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR NIGERIAN AWARD/SDG ARE AS FOLLOWS:

 Applicants for Postgraduate studies should possess a minimum of first degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division.  Applicant must be registered FullTime students of Federal or State Universities.  All other applicants (UG, HND &NCE) must be registered full-time students in their second year or above in Federal or State Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Colleges of Education.  All undergraduate Scholarship applicants (Physically challenged inclusive) must have at least 4.0 Cumulative Grade Points Aggregate (CGPA) on a five (5) point scale or its equivalents or 5.0 on a 7 point scale.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: NA/SDGs The scholarship are tenable in Nigeria and take effect from the beginning of the academic session.  It shall not be held at the same time with another Award nor for part-time studies.  Change of course or Institution is not allowed.  The Scholarship award is to assist the scholar in the payment of: i. Institutional charges and fees and ii. For Personal maintenance; iii. SDGs Scholarship is for female only.

COURSES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE AWARD ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Science and Technology
2. Medicine and Para-medicals
3. Education
4. Agriculture
5. Liberal Arts/Social/Management Sciences
6. Entrepreneural Studies,
7. ICT
8. Environmental Sciences
9. Law

METHOD OF APPLICATION Application forms are completed online as follows:  Complete form online  Submit and Print a copy  Attach Photocopy of the following documents to the Printed Copy  i. Letter of Admission to the Institution ii. Current Course Registration Form iii. CGPA results of year 1, 2, 3, etc. iv. Current School’s Identity Card v. Letter of Identification from your State/Local Government  vi. Two (2) passport size photographs with your name written at the back and duly signed by you.

NOTE:  Printed Copy should be endorsed (signed and stamped) by your HOD or Dean of Faculty of your institution. Submit one set of the printed and endorsed forms at the venue of the interviews as scheduled below:

Please note that the 2019/2020 FSB CBT  dates is from 15 t0 19, January 2019, and venues stated

GENERAL NOTICE: During the application candidates are expected to indicate the following:

1. i) Centre of choice for the Computer Based Test (CBT); and
2. ii) Choice of programme preferred in order of priority (i.e. Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), Nigerian Award (N/A), Sustaniable Development Goals (SDGs) scholarship for girls only).

iii) Warning : Double Enteries will be disqualied

OFFICIAL PHONE NUMBERS:

1. i) Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA): 08077884417/09094268637
2. ii) Nigerian Award/SDGs: 08077884418/08091155229 iv) fsb@education.gov.ng/fsbbea@education.gov.ng/fsbna@education.gov.ng

For further Technical/Apps inquires please call: 08055581004

Time : 9.00 am Daily

Please note that this particular application does not attract any processing fee, therefore, beware of fraudsters!

Signed:

Arc Sonny T. Echono, fnia

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education

The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof.Moji Adeyeye, has revealed how the agency was able to intercept a trailer loaded with unregistered pharmaceutical products at Oshodi, Lagos, on 9 January 2019.

She explained through a press statement from her office, how the officials of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC, got a tip-off from a concerned citizen that a 40ft trailer was transporting assorted suspected pharmaceutical products to an unknown destination, and they were able to mount a six-hour surveillance and intercepted the said trailer at Oshodi enroute Mushin.

The NAFDAC boss further stated that while trying to move the intercepted trailer to NAFDAC’s warehouse, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Police Force came into the scene to lend a helping hand, and the trailer was eventually moved to the Area D Command, Mushin.

The document reads in part:
“After a joint examination by operatives of NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force, the following products were found in the trailer:
“1. Barcadin with codeine (cough syrup) – 588ctns x 200bottles x100ml, batch no. OHLC-08, OHLC-09, OHLC-10, OHLC-11, OHLC-12. Mfg date: 09/18 Exp. date: 08/21
“2. Feed fine (Cyproheptadine caplet) 44ctns x 24rolls x 10pks x 3blisters x10 caplets. Batch no. MP8212, MP8213, MP8214, MP8215, MP8216, MP8217, MP8219, MP8220. Mfg. date: 07/18 Exp. date: 06/22

“3. Really Extra (Diclofenac sodium tab) 190ctns x 100boxes x 10pkts x 1×10 caplets. Batch no. AB80003. Mfg. date: 10/18 Exp. date: 09/21.
“4. Afrodic (Diclofenac sodium cap) – 207ctns x 100boxes x 10pks x 1×10 caplets. Batch no. AF004, AF006. Mfg. date: 03/18 Exp. date: 02/21”.

The statement also revealed that one Mr Luke Mba ‘M’ of no 9 Ehi str., Ijesa, Lagos. who accompanied the trailer and claimed to be the importer was arrested along with the driver.

While the agency has resolved to prosecute the suspect when the Police hands him over to her, the statement disclosed that initial investigation showed that the unregistered products were manufactured and/or imported from India into Nigeria through the Seme land border and allegedly Onitsha, Anambra state bound.
“It is of note that the Federal Government announced a ban on the production and import of cough syrup containing codeine after investigation into its addiction epidemic. We appeal to members of the public as part of their civic responsibility to report any incidence of counterfeiting and adulteration of foods, drugs, cosmetic, medical devices, chemical and packaged water to NAFDAC for prompt regulatory and legal action”, the document stated.

The management of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the management of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, on multi-disciplinary research and clinical trial.

The signing of the agreement, witnessed by the management team of institutions, scientists and other stakeholders was held at the NIMR’s main auditorium, Yaba, on 9 January, 2019.

Speaking on the essence of the collaboration, the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako, said the partnership was imperative in order to reposition the Institute to do more on its roles in providing evidence for policy, innovation through research and ability to provide cutting edge treatment for diseases causing morbidity and mortality in our environment.

His words: “This management found it compelling to improve its networks and collaborative efforts by approaching the management of the Federal Medical Centre Ebute – Metta to provide the Institute with opportunities and much needed facilities to conduct human participants’ health research, using the hospital as its clinical research facility.

“This understanding will provide our scientists an array of human participants that will assist them in their quest to find new therapies, evolve better approach to disease management, drug development clinical trials and development of new diagnostic tools”, he explained.

The NIMR boss further stated that the hospital’s clinical specialists and its special investigative facilities, especially in the clinical area will be made available for research purposes that are capable of expressly advancing the healthcare capability of the hospital.

However, the agreement is not one-sided as Prof. Salako has noted that the hospital will also enjoy a range of benefits. He said the hospital stands to benefit immensely from NIMR’s world class basic and clinical research scientists, who are capable of designing novel therapy that hospital patients may patient from.

On his own part, the Medical Director, FMC Ebute – Metta, Dr Ademola Dada, said the collaboration will afford patients access to cutting edge research, latest technology, latest method of healthcare delivery and they will also have the opportunity to contribute to knowledge.” So it’s a win win situation for patients, for the hospital, and for the research institute”.

When asked on the areas of concentration for their research, Dr Dada noted that they are not restricting their research to a particular area, stating that checking of outcomes is a form of research. “It is certainly a programme that will impact everything we do as an institution. Our patient care and outcomes, the services we render, and our processes”.

On the duration of the agreement, he said it is a lifetime relationship, and he was very optimistic that at the end of the day, none of the parties will ever regret signing the understanding.

Akwa Ibom State Government has purchased medical equipment worth N5 billion for Ibom Specialist Hospital to boost healthcare delivery in the state.

Dominic Ukpong, the state Commissioner for Health, disclosed this when members of the Divine Mandate Campaign Team visited the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem Etim Abia, in Eket recently.

According to him, the state has been paying N400 million quarterly to offset bills for the medical equipment in the hospital.

Mr Ukpong, however, said the hospital was not completed before it was inaugurated during the previous administration.

“We are paying the money now and the hospital had been inaugurated but not yet completed.

“It was supposed to be ground floor, first, second and third floors.

“The previous administration did the ground and first floors and left the second and third floors uncompleted. It is not yet plastered but was inaugurated,” Mr Ukpong said.

He noted that Ibom Specialist Hospital, was on 8  August, 2018 given out to Clinotech Turnkey to manage for the state, adding that Governor Emmanuel was passionate to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

He said some other hospitals in the state, such as Ituk Mbang, Immanuel hospital, Etinan General Hospital, Ikono hospital and Awa hospital had been rehabilitated, upgraded and equipped with modern facilities.

“We are trying to train people who will manage the hospitals.

“We have gotten ambulance for emergency medical response such that if you are sick and you cannot leave your home, you will call a certain number and an ambulance will come and pick you up for treatment,” he said.

The commissioner, however, appealed to the people of the state to vote for Governor Emmanuel and all the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidates in the state.

Responding, Mr Abia said monarchs are not into partisan politics but the leaders of people.

“Nobody can say that the paramount ruler has no voice, we represent the voice of the people.

According to him, I am in a position to tell Eket people, which side they should support.

“This is because we are qualify to do so, we have to direct our people properly,” Mr Abia said.

(NAN)

The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has called on governments to ensure Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is completely free, accessible and without user fee in 2019.

Peter Obialor, Lagos State Coordinator of the group, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recently in Lagos.

He noted that his members were currently paying N2,000 monthly to access the drugs.

The group also requested that treatments should be made available in the nearest facilities closer to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) for easy access.

“The major thing we request from governments this year is to make PLHIV accessing treatment totally free, no user fee and it should be in all the nearest places and facilities for easy accessibility.

“We have only benefited from AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) programme which allows us free access to drugs.

“Other implementing partners (IPs) like FHI 360, a global health and development organisation in charge of Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and many other hospitals and facilities have refused us free access to drugs.

“They are also collecting user fee, like for test which is not supposed to be so.

“We pay as high as N2,000 per pack every month; many PLHIV cannot afford paying this fee and so, this has made many fall from adherence.

“They are no more picking the drugs when they are supposed to and they are also not swallowing or taking the drugs when necessary,’’ Mr Obialor said.

According to him, many PLHIV are now leaving their facilities to other facilities because of user fee.

He said “When they go there, they double count and register themselves as new clients instead of continuing from where they stopped.

“They go there and start afresh because no user fee is required’’.

Mr Obialor called for assistance of stakeholders to cut off the fee so that the planned 90-90-90 Strategy to get HIV epidemic under control could be achieved.

NAN reports that the 90-90-90 is a concept introduced by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS in 2013.

The idea is that by 2020, 90 per cent of people who are HIV infected will be diagnosed, 90 per cent of people who are diagnosed will be on antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent of those who receive Antiretroviral will be virally suppressed.

Mr Obialor also decried how the CD4 count test usually carried out on PLHIV to know how their immune system functions had been stopped.

He pleaded that CD4 count and viral load tests be carried out together so that PLHIV would have adequate information to manage their status.

He called for proper equipping of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and employment of more doctors and nurses to oversee the needs of PLHIV. (NAN)

It is not uncommon for many executives to be desk- bound for 7-10 hours per day  at workplace, as their work nature warrants them to be seated for such long period to achieve their goals. However, studies have shown that sitting for an extended period is linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of death from heart disease and cancer.

For such busy executives, it is challenging for them to get up at intervals during work, as they regard such movements as distractions, but findings have even revealed that excessive sitting may slow down the process of converting food to energy in the human system.

This is why it is imperative for officials to device means of reducing some of the health risks associated with elevated sedentary lifestyle.

Physical activities like cycling to work, having lunchtime walk, strolling round the office, going to the gym, and others, have been found effective by another study to prevent 1 in 12 deaths globally.

According to Medical News Today, below is a list of physical activities to keep you active at workplace:

1. Cycle or walk to work

Cycling to workplace is linked to a reduced risk of death from all causes.

Depending on the location of your job and how far you work from home, try switching up how you get to and from work. Leave the car at home and cycle or walk instead.

When compared with commuting to work by car or public transport, cycling to work has been linked with a reduced risk of death from all causes, and a lower cancer risk.

Both cycling and walking to work have also been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

A morning ride to work could be just the tonic you’re looking for if you’d like to lose weight but don’t have the time or inclination to visit a fitness centre regularly.

2. Stand up regularly

Something as simple as standing up now and then while at work could help curb the related health risks of sitting for too long.

Using a standing desk could help to improve cognitive function.

To reduce sedentary behaviour and time spent sitting at workplace, guidance was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2015 by experts.

The team concluded that office workers should stand up for at least 2 hours during their work day, with that target eventually reaching 4 hours, to break up prolonged sitting.

Researchers believe that incorporating standing and walking behaviours into the work day might be more doable for workers than targeted exercise.

3. Move more

Moving more may sound like an obvious action to take when trying to be less sedentary, but, when in the depths of a taxing project, it’s easy for many hours to fly by without any sign of movement.

Take the stairs rather than the elevator to incorporate exercise into your working day.

Research has found that for every extra hour of sitting over 5 hours, waist size increased by 2 centimeters and the risk of cardiovascular disease by 0.2 percent.

Even when you’re sitting down, you don’t need to necessarily sit still; fidgeting in your seat could make all the difference.

A study led by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom suggested that small movements — such as those involved in fidgeting — might counteract some of the adverse effects of prolonged sitting.

4. Re-engineer the work environment

Incorporating physical activity into your working day has numerous health benefits, decreases work absence, and boosts cognitive abilities, mood, and productivity. Given all the positive outcomes of being less sedentary, your boss may be open to changing up the working environment to provide more options for movement.

Small desk movements can be encouraged by using a bounce ball to sit on.

Some firms are already offering stretch classes before work, yoga breaks during office hours, and lunchtime running groups to help workers to look after their well-being and increase work efficiency.

5. Take an active lunch break

Rather than eating your lunch at your computer while checking your Smartphone and answering emails, take a break and do something physically active. You will go back to work feeling refreshed, revived, and more able to concentrate for the rest of the day.

Taking an active lunch break could help you go back to work refreshed and motivated.

Whether you go for a brisk walk, cycle, swim, or to your gym for an hour, doing exercise of any kind helps to break up your day and motivate you for your remaining hours in the office.

Workers who make time to engage in physical activity at workplace are also reported to be less likely to develop mental health deterioration, such as symptoms of depression and burnout, than those who do not engage in exercise.

The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. Christianah M. Adeyeye, has explained how the agency’s return to the ports, has significantly improved activities involving the control of importation of drugs, foods, chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, and packaged water.

Prof. Adeyeye, also attributed the rapid progress made by the agency in intercepting scores of tramadol containers and other illicit pharmaceuticals, to the support from the office of National Security Adviser, engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and support from the Comptroller General and officers of the NCS, as well as the agency’s paradigm shift to customer-focused and agency-minded .

“Acting on intelligence reports in September 2018 and in collaboration with the NCS, NAFDAC monitored and intercepted 30 containers (between September and November) of unregistered pharmaceutical products that were destined for Nigeria. Prior to this time, 53 containers (in Lagos Ports) and 9 (in Onne, Rivers State) of unregistered pharmaceuticals were intercepted with the support of the Nigeria Customs Service. Of these latter containers, some have been examined while some are still waiting for examination”, she stated.

The NAFDAC boss, through a statement from her office, expressed the profound gratitude of the Council and Management of NAFDAC to the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller General, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) for renewed and consistent support and collaboration the agency receives from their office.
The statement reads in part:
“The release of these containers into the country would have wrecked more havoc to our society and the youth in particular. Subsequently, the Nigeria Customs Service called for a joint inspection/examination of the intercepted and blocked containers.
“Upon examinations, the detained containers were found to contain tramadol of high strengths and other unregistered medicines. Keeping to its mandate, NAFDAC thereafter seized the containers at the ports for possible evacuation and destruction. It is worth mentioning that one of the containers destined for Nigeria was later diverted to a West African country. However, with the support of the Security Agencies, the container was intercepted and detained.

“We wish to use this medium to inform the general public that NAFDAC will continue to protect the public health and request that necessary support and information should be provided to the Agency so as to ensure that more of such spurious consignments that have devastating effect on the public are prevented from entering into our country.

“The current management has shown zero tolerance to importation of unregistered, substandard and spurious products and will continue to pursue means to rid the country of such, thus mitigating the deleterious effects on the population, especially the youth. The agency needs the continued support of the public to provide information that will lead to preventing unregistered and dangerous drugs, food and other products from getting to our society. NAFDAC is Customer focused and Agency minded”.

As dean pays tribute to Late Prof. Agunu

Amidst pomp and pageantry, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of IIorin (UNILORIN) has inducted 18 new graduates into the pharmacy profession.

The colourful induction and oath-taking ceremony of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) Degree graduands, which took place at the institution’s main auditorium recently, attracted the rank and file of the school management officers, eminent pharmacists both in academic, hospital and administrative positions and  parents.

Speaking at the occasion, Pharm. N. A. E. Mohammed, registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) represented by Pharm. Anthony Idoko, congratulated the graduands, parents, UNILORIN vice-chancellor, academic and non-academic  staff, adding that the faculty is living up to standard.

“These promising young men and ladies here today have completed the first phase of their training as professionals and are now fit to compete favourably with their colleagues in all areas of practice for services to humanity and also to God.

“The second phase of your Pharmacy training starts with the one-year statutory internship programme which is compulsory for all pharmacists in Nigeria, including those who trained abroad without evidence of licensure in countries of practice,” he said.

Mohammed frown at professional misconduct in its entirety, saying that any form of misconduct by its pharmacists are usually investigated by PCN investigating panel, which refers erring pharmacists to disciplinary tribunal (with status of Federal High Court in Nigeria) when found guilty.

“Note that sentences such as removal of pharmacists name from the pharmaceutical register for a given period of time could be passed.

“This is why I enjoin you to keep off from Register-And-Go syndrome that has tarnished the image of pharmacists and brought the profession to ridicule. Learn to always uphold the ethics of the profession at all times,” he charged.

The PCN registrar also urged the university management to ensure it always retain its best materials for internship and official engagement.

“I also want to sound the note of advice to the new graduands. Do not fill your career with abandoned projects, make purposeful changes in life to compliment your experience, be focused and wait patiently for your time,” he charged.

In her opening remark, Dr Rasheedat Ayanniyi, acting dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences commended UNILORIN vice-chancellor, his management team, staff of the faculty, the PCN, NUC and trusted professors of the institution such as Prof. M.T. Bakare-Odunola, Prof. Titus Iranloye and Prof. Moses Akanmu.

She also acknowledged the tremendous contributions of past deans of the faculty such as Prof. Philip Olurinola, Prof. Hajarat Ibrahim and, of course, late Prof. Abdulkarim Agunu.

“Before I return to my seat, I will like us to use this opportunity to pay tribute to our late dean, Prof. Abdulkarim Agunu who departed this world on 15 July, 2018. Agunu was a team leader, mentor, a friend and a father to us all.

“We were so privileged to have worked with such an amazing team leader who genuinely cared deeply about his team members and students. His courage, determination and sense of humour are traits we will always carry with us,” she declared.

The induction ceremony reached a climax when Quadri Ajibola Omotesho was announced as the overall best graduating student. With a CGPA of 4.53, the former president, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PANS), UNILORIN Chapter, won the PCN Award for Best Graduating Student (first male to clinch it in UNILORIN) and Prof. Agunu Memorial Prize for Best Graduating Student.

Other prize winners were Remilekun Agbana, Prof. P.F.Olurinola Prize Award; Nusirat Ibrahim, Prof. Hajarat Prize Award and Oyeyiola Rasheedat, Chief Opaleke Foundation Prize.

In attendance were Prof. Chinedum Babalola, keynote speaker; Dr Mohammed Amali, subdean; Pharm. S. A. Atunwa, academic staff and Pharm. K. M. Salawu, academic staff.

Approved by the senate on 22 May 2010 with Prof. Philip Olurinola and Prof. Hajarat Ibrahim as its pioneer and second deans respectively, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (one of the 15 faculties in UNILORIN) is divided into 6 departments. They are departments of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy as well as Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

A landmark achievement was recorded on December 12, 2017 when the senate at its 267^th meeting approved the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum. Following the approval, the first set of PharmD students were admitted into the 2017/2018 academic session. The faculty also signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with UNILORIN Teaching Hospital to facilitate the take-off and success of this programme.