Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), and Prof Michael Odeniyi, dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UI (middle), flanked by other dignitaries at the Induction ceremony.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted the first set of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates from the University of Ibadan, marking a historic milestone in the evolution of pharmacy education at the institution.
A total of 88 graduands of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences were formally admitted into the pharmacy profession during the oath-taking and induction ceremony for the 2024/2025 set, held recently at the Alumni Hall of the University of Ibadan.
The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of the PharmD programme by the pioneer class and attracted dignitaries from academia, regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical profession, highlighting the growing emphasis on patient-centred pharmaceutical care in modern healthcare delivery.
Speaking shortly before administering the oath, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, congratulated the graduates for completing the rigorous academic and professional training required for the PharmD programme.
He described the induction ceremony as a statutory requirement before registration as pharmacists in Nigeria and reminded the graduates that the one-year internship programme remains compulsory and must be undertaken in PCN-accredited centres before full registration as pharmacists.
A cross-section of the graduands during the oath taking session.
Ahmed urged the new pharmacists to uphold high ethical standards, maintain professional discipline and commit themselves to continuous professional development in order to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor A.O. Omobowale, director of studies, described the induction as a historic moment for both the institution and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
He noted that the transition from the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme aligns the university with global best practices in pharmacy education and better prepares graduates for expanded roles in healthcare delivery.
Omobowale urged the inductees to remain worthy ambassadors of the university by demonstrating integrity, competence and dedication to improving patient outcomes wherever they practise.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Michael Odeniyi, described the induction of the pioneer PharmD class as the culmination of years of planning, curriculum development and commitment to strengthening pharmacy education at the university.
He explained that the PharmD programme was designed to equip pharmacists with stronger clinical competencies and better prepare them for direct patient care in hospitals, community pharmacies and other healthcare settings.
The dean therefore charged the graduates to uphold the values of professionalism, ethical conduct and lifelong learning as they begin their professional careers.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Olufunsho Awodele, secretary general of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, described the PharmD programme as a global development aimed at producing pharmacists who are better trained to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare systems.
According to him, increasing disease burden, rising expectations for improved patient outcomes and the growing demand for accountability within healthcare systems have made advanced pharmacy training necessary.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration within the healthcare team, urging the new pharmacists to work harmoniously with other professionals in order to improve patient outcomes.
Highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of outstanding students for their academic achievements, as Taiwo Ireoluwamide Oni emerged as the overall best graduating student, graduating with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.93 out of a possible 4.00.
In addition, 26 students graduated with distinction and were inducted into the Dean’s Honour List in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
Several distinguished academics and leaders in the profession were also present at the historic ceremony.
Among them were Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, under whose administration the PharmD programme commenced; Professor Chinedum Babalola, immediate past vice-chancellor of Chrisland University; Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku, former Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Professor Titi Fakeye, also a former Dean of the faculty..
Others included Col. Victor Segun Ajanaku, chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Oyo State, and Pharm. Babatunde Adetoba, president of the University of Ibadan Pharmacy Alumni Association, among other dignitaries.
The ceremony concluded with the formal administration of the pharmacist’s oath and the induction of the graduands into the pharmacy profession.
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