– As faculty prepares to launch PharmD Programme
Ojukwu University, at their oath taking/induction ceremony recently.
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, recently graduated 128 new pharmacists, all of whom were inducted into the pharmacy profession by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
The graduates were inducted during the third oath-taking and induction ceremony held at the university.
Speaking before administering the oath, the Registrar of the PCN, Pharm. Babashehu Ahmed, represented by Dr Anthony Idoko, urged the inductees to maintain ethical standards in their professional conduct. He also encouraged them to work towards the advancement of the Nigerian healthcare sector, emphasising that they should be exemplary ambassadors for the pharmacy profession.
The registrar highlighted the PCN’s strong stance against professional misconduct and advised the inductees to avoid actions that could tarnish the reputation of the profession.
In his address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Theophine Chinwuba Akunne, noted that the graduates had undergone rigorous academic training over five years and had been deemed worthy in both character and learning to practise pharmacy in Nigeria and beyond.
The Dean said, “Rest assured that you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills during these five years of intensive training, which will enable you to practise pharmacy with confidence and contribute meaningfully to global healthcare.”
He continued, “In line with the three ‘V’s mantra of our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha—value, viability, and visibility—you are challenged to go out into the wider society and pharmaceutically add value, be morally and mentally viable, and, above all, remain professionally visible and outstanding.”
Akunne also expressed his gratitude to the acting VC for her support of the Faculty within her short time in office, noting the positive impact she had already made.
“These few months of your leadership at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University have been incredibly beneficial to both the university and our Faculty,” the dean remarked.
Meanwhile, the faculty is preparing to launch its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme. Akunne announced that the PharmD programme will begin in the next academic session.
He commended the VC for her efforts in securing the Senate approval for the programme.
“You facilitated the Senate’s approval for the six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme, as well as the professional Diploma (part-time) in Herbal Medicine and Nutrition. Under your guidance, these two programmes will commence in the upcoming academic session,” the dean said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of various awards and prizes, with Pharm. Wendy Ozoh receiving the award for the best graduating student, alongside other outstanding graduates.
, Igbariam, recently graduated 128 new pharmacists, all of whom were inducted into the pharmacy profession by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)){kind=link}