-As experts charge them on risk-taking, building connections
The Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) Pharm. N. A. E. Mohammed has inducted no less than 93 graduands from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan (UI), as 20 of the graduands bagged First Class Honours. The induction ceremony held on Tuesday at the Gamaliel Onosode Banquet Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Administering the oath, Mohammed, urged them to abide by the ethics of the profession, while they strive to develop leadership and interpersonal relationship skills, which he said are vital in pharmacy practice.
The registrar, who was represented by Pharm. (Mrs) Yejide Oseni, director, South West Zonal Office, PCN, encouraged the graduands to shun all manners of practices that will tarnish their image and by extension, the image of the Pharmacy profession.
“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 and the internship must be undertaken in only PCN accredited internship training institutions. So I enjoin all of you to take the one year seriously as there may not be opportunities to make up for any time wasted,” he said.
He added, in a world where change is about the only constant phenomenon, the PCN is aware of the challenges posed to pharmacists by the dynamics of practice, technological advancements, increase disease burdens, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, drug resistance, among others. Pursuant to the foregoing, the PCN has institutionalised the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to ensure the continued relevance of pharmacists in the scheme of events in the health sector and government in general.
The keynote speaker, Pharm. Olugbenga Olaleye, strategy and marketing director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, told the newly robbed pharmacists that life is not chemistry, but a misery, adding that they should not allow the B.Pharm degree they just acquired to limit the extent they would go in life.
Olaleye, a 1994 Bachelor of pharmacy alumnus of the institution, made the youngsters realise the importance of having audacious goals in life and pursuing them as life is not a bed of roses for anyone except they take some risks with optimism.
“You stand today on the shores of life, do not consent to any idea that seeks to keep you there. The treasures of life are never found on the seashores, you must take deep dives to lay hold on anything worthwhile. You need the courage to sail the sea of life, and fear is a natural part of life; only those who overcome their fears become successful in life”, he urged.
Quoting the German Poet and Playwright, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, he stated: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”, the industrial pharmacy guru, tasked the graduands on the need to take a risk, saying ‘the world takers are risk-takers.
He added: “You will succeed to the extent to which you are willing to change. You are leaving the university in a world and shape uniquely different from the one in which you entered. You will start your career with a more diverse set of people, in a world of rapidly changing technology and skillsets. You will get married and raise your kids in a society that is very different from the one in which you were raised. There is one thing that you will be unable to avoid in the life you are going into and that is change,” he said
He continued, “Let me also warn you against the vanity of social media connections; that is not what I am talking about. Do not fall for the deception of LinkedIn connections, you need to make real friends and build a network of physical and real-life intimacy. Technology will never replace human essence and interactions. Associate with people, chat with strangers, take people out for a drink or to dinner, not because you want a business deal, but simply to interact with them and enjoy their company. Invest in people, they return the best dividend. Make people feel special when they meet you”.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution, adding that they should be found worthy in character and in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He noted that in order to demonstrate the seriousness of the university management to pharmacy education, a befitting ultra-modern Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan building is under construction and would be completed soon, adding that pharmacy practice is an integral part of healthcare and cannot be substituted in the healthcare sector.
Presenting the 93 graduands for the oath-taking and induction ceremony, the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Olukunle Idowu, who disclosed that all the 93 students in the graduating set graduated with perfect results, urged them to continue to uplift the banner of the University wherever they found themselves.
Speaking on the topic “Parable of the Ostrich: Striking Elegance, Hidden Flaws”, he implored them to keep a critical eye on the flaws that are hidden in every situation, saying they should not be swayed by the striking elegance of a cursory look, as a closer look will reveal the hidden flaws. “If you do this diligently, you should stay out of trouble in the world of pharmacy practice. May God endow you with wisdom, and give you a share of good sense. And may your labour not be in vain.
Congratulating the graduating students, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, president, PSN, who was represented by Pharm. Gbenga Oguntoye, chairman, PSN, Oyo State, explained that aside from the induction which is marking the end of the graduands’ sojourn in the university, it also marks the beginning of their career in the pharmacy profession.
The number one pharmacist in the country however appealed to them to ensure they keep the Pharmacy flag flying, wherever they go, adding that the academic excellence they recorded in pharmacy school will not be a determinant of a successful career in real life, but rather their zeal and hunger to succeed at all cost.
Also speaking, the duo of Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Prof. Abiodun Olubanjo Otegbayo, and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Pharm. D L. Akinwande, charged the new pharmacists to distinguish themselves from those who had gate-crashed their way into the profession and ensure they put the patients first in whatever they do.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the PCN, NAIP, Foundation Dean, and Prof. Herbert Akinlolu Odelola Memorial Prizes to Cynthia Chidera Okafor, the Best Graduating Student, as well as the award of Board of Fellows to Yusuff Olanrewaju Azeez, and other numerous awards.
In all, 20 graduands came out with first-class honours and were featured on the ‘Roll of Honour’. They included Cynthia Chidera Okafor, with a CGPA of 6.9, out of 7; Damilola Blessing Babatunde, 6.6; Udoka Joseph Ezeakunne, 6.6; Samuel Oladipupo Fagbemigun, 6.5; Deborah Ajayi, 6.5; Iretomiwa Olorunmodupe Alake, 6.4; Tolulope Ibirongbe, 6.4; Akinlolu Akinbitan, 6.3; Rukayat Yetunde Omotosho, 6.3; Mercy Oluwafemi Ogunlana, 6.2; Praise Olajide, 6.2; Joy Olayinka Gbenle, 6.2; Bunmi Seun Aransiola, 6.1; Uchechukwu Victor Abel, 6.1; Mathew Olubusayo Akinola, 6.0; Latifat Olamide Fasasi, 6.0; Nurudeen Akinpelumi Oladimeji, 6.0; Joseph Olasupo, 6.0; Victor Ozoude, 6.0; and Anuoluwapo Oluwatobi Isola, 6.0.
The colourful ceremony witnessed a massive turnout of participants, including professors, faculty members, pharmacists in academia, students, parents as well as top PCN, PSN and YPG, Oyo State officials.
 Pharm. N. A. E. Mohammed has inducted no less than 93 graduands from the Faculty){kind=link}