PCN inducts 85 foreign pharmacists, warns against misconduct

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has formally inducted 85 foreign-trained pharmacy graduates into the Nigerian healthcare system following their successful completion of the First Cycle 2026 Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme (FPGOP).

Speaking at the ceremony held on Monday, 20 July, 2026, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Secretariat in Abuja, the PCN Registrar, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, explained that the FPGOP remains a mandatory regulatory requirement under the PCN (Establishment) Act, 2022.

He noted that the orientation is specifically structured to familiarise foreign-trained practitioners with tropical clinical realities, Nigerian pharmacy laws, jurisprudence, and local ethical standards. He added that the induction marked the official transition of the graduates into legal pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria after undergoing intensive evaluation.

Pharm. Ahmed congratulated the inductees and urged them to leverage their international exposure as a catalyst for innovation across various practice settings in the country. He emphasised that by taking the Pharmacist’s Oath, the new practitioners have bound themselves legally, ethically, and morally to serve the public with integrity, compassion, and the highest standards of professional responsibility.

Addressing post-induction requirements, the Registrar reminded the new pharmacists that statutory regulations mandate a compulsory one-year internship at PCN-accredited facilities under registered supervisors. He clarified, however, that inductees who present verifiable proof of prior registration and licensure in their respective countries of training are exempted from the internship programme.

To ensure continuous competency amid evolving healthcare demands, the PCN boss urged the inductees to actively participate in the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme. He noted that the MCPD, accessible both online and onsite, aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions and Federal Ministry of Health directives aimed at keeping health professionals responsive to emerging global health challenges.

The Registrar also issued a stern warning against professional malpractice, reaffirming that the Council maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unethical behaviour. He outlined that allegations of misconduct are meticulously investigated by the PCN Investigating Panel, and that established infractions are referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal for appropriate legal sanctions to safeguard the public interest and professional integrity.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, the Esu Karu, Pharm. (Dr) Luka Panya, congratulated the inductees for their successful performance after travelling from various parts of the world to acquire diverse knowledge and global best practices.

“As you take your oath today, remember that pharmacy is not just a profession; it is a calling anchored on integrity, precision, and humanity. You are the vital bridge between pharmaceutical science and patient care. Nigeria needs your global exposure, your expertise, and your dedication now more than ever,” he charged them.

Reinforcing the importance of ethics, the PCN Chairperson, Pharm. (Haj) Wosilat O. Giwa, reiterated that the profession maintains zero tolerance for misconduct, urging the inductees to uphold high ethical standards and discipline at all times.

She said, “We expect that the training, experiences, and exposure you acquired from your countries of training will be brought to bear in your professional practice. This should positively engender transformation in the development and advancement of pharmacy education and practice in the country.”

The event drew prominent health and traditional leaders, including Special Guest of Honour, Dr David Atuwo, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Health. Closing the event, Pharm. Ahmed expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, host institution NUC, PCN staff, and the proud parents whose support contributed to the successful outcome.