NUC Upgrades Pharmacy, Other Programmes to Doctoral Status, NAPharm Lauds Decision

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The National Universities Commission (NUC) has upgraded three medical related courses of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry degrees in Nigerian universities from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral status. The Acting Director of Public Affairs at NUC, Mrs Franca Elochi Chukwuonwo, made the disclosure in a statement noting that the initiative aims to incorporate more clinical and practical sessions in the programmes to improve clinical skills across all specialty areas.

The new nomenclature of upgraded programmes, she said are Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry (O.D).

Sequel to this development, the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, (NAPharm) has commended the NUC’s initiative, describing it as a transformational move which aligns Nigeria with global best practices and positions the nation’s Pharmacy profession for a more significant impact on healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical innovation

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In a statement jointly signed by the NAPharm President, Prof. Lere Baale and Public Relations Officer, Pharm. Clara Omatseye, the academy remarked that the milestone will undoubtedly strengthen the healthcare system by producing highly skilled pharmacists who are better equipped to address emerging challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, chronic diseases, and personalised medicine. It also enhances the career prospects of Nigerian pharmacists on the international stage, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to global health initiatives.

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According to the NUC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Chukwuonwo: “The National Universities Commission, cognizant of the need to keep abreast with global perspectives on programmes and course delivery in university education, has made changes to the nomenclature and upgraded programmes from Bachelor’s Degree to Doctor Status (Bachelor’s Degree with clinical sessions) in Nigerian universities.”

“This initiative aims to harmonise the certificates obtained from the Nigerian University System with those of similar programmes globally, ensuring mutual recognition, employability, and competitiveness of Nigerian graduates in relevant disciplines.”

She further disclosed that the changes will bring an extension to the duration of the affected programmes from five to six years to accommodate additional courses and clinical training.

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However, the Commission emphatically stated that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) programme does not exist within its Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) or Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and has thus not been captured as an upgraded programme.

The NAPharm President, Prof. Baale underscored the transition to the PharmD programme, stating that it reflects pharmacy practice’s growing complexity and evolving nature. As healthcare challenges become increasingly intricate, he said pharmacists’ roles have expanded beyond dispensing medications to include clinical decision-making, direct patient care, and leadership in the healthcare system. The PharmD programme is designed to prepare graduates with advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a patient-centred approach that meets these demands.

“We commend the NUC for its foresight and commitment to advancing pharmacy education in Nigeria. This bold step underscores the Commission’s dedication to producing world-class professionals who can hold their own in the global healthcare arena. By adopting the PharmD qualification, Nigeria joins the league of nations that recognise the importance of elevating pharmacy practice to meet the changing needs of modern healthcare systems.

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“We call on all stakeholders—universities, professional bodies, students, and healthcare institutions—to embrace this transition and work collaboratively to ensure its successful implementation. Special recognition must also be given to the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and other relevant organisations whose advocacy and support have contributed to this achievement,” Balale stated.

He expressed optimism that the upgrade will inspire further reforms in the education and training of other healthcare professionals, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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