Pharm. Tanko Ayuba is a distinguished Nigerian pharmacist and one of the contestants in the forthcoming presidential election of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, he shares his vision for the Society and discusses key issues affecting pharmacy practice in Nigeria. Excerpts:
How would you describe the performance of the outgoing president of the PSN?
The outgoing president has dedicated his time and energy to the role and achieved a great deal. He should be available to offer advice, clarify issues, and provide guidance. However, the position of PSN president is a continuous one, and I intend to build on his achievements, continue from where he stopped, introduce new initiatives, tackle emerging challenges, and move forward.
Why do you believe you have what it takes to become the next PSN president?
I have intentionally prepared myself for the PSN presidency from the time I graduated. That was why I joined the Kaduna State PSN executive committee as a young pharmacist in the early ’90s. I held various positions, and eventually became the PSN chairman. I then advanced to the role of 1st deputy president and unofficial member of NEC.
Having gained substantial experience in PSN leadership over the years, I felt ready for the position of president and made an attempt to contest in 2015, which was unfortunately cut short. In 2021, I contested again, but the current president was the one favoured by God to win. I accepted the result in good faith and was the only candidate among the contestants who attended his inauguration.
And now, here we are in 2024, and I am a candidate once more. I am resilient, tenacious, and filled with self-belief and a “can-do” spirit. I do not quit; I am a winner, and winners don’t quit! I am retired and have all the time needed to dedicate to the PSN presidency.
Pharmacy practice has evolved, with technology driving innovation in the field. How do you hope to leverage this to grow a better pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria?
Leveraging technology to drive innovation in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to enhance digital literacy among pharmacy professionals so they can effectively utilise technology. We should also invest in digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet and reliable power supply. Additionally, we should establish automated pharmacy systems in hospitals and retail pharmacies and develop efficient logistics and supply chain systems to ensure timely delivery of medicines.
We will collaborate with young pharmacists and support them in leading our projects on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The disruption is here, and we must not be caught napping. Young pharmacists understand these topics better than we do, so we will fully involve them. We will lead together. By leveraging technology and implementing these strategies, Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry can experience significant growth, improved efficiency, and better patient outcomes.
What is the major focus of your campaign as a prospective PSN president? What are you bringing to the table?
My vision is for PSN to be recognised as a society whose members are valued, well-paid, well-organised, and highly motivated healthcare professionals, accessible to the public and responsible for the provision and rational use of safe, effective, and affordable medicines, pharmaceutical care, and the promotion of public health and quality of life.
Do you have any words of advice for other contestants, bearing in mind that you all are motivated to build a better pharmaceutical society in Nigeria?
My appeal to the other contestants is to run issue-based campaigns, avoiding sentiment, personal attacks, and negativity. I have instructed my supporters to remain civil and focus on the many positive qualities I possess. They should not engage anyone in arguments. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Elections will come and go, but pharmacy will remain.
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