Nsukka, Nigeria – The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted new pharmacy graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) into the council.
Speaking during the 49th Induction/Oath-taking ceremony of the 2022/2023 graduates on Wednesday at Nsukka, the Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, the Registrar of the Council, commended the resilience of graduates that made it possible for them to be inducted as pharmacists.
Ahmed said that the oath-taking/ induction ceremony is one of the requirements prescribed by the PCN Establishment Act to be fulfilled prior to registration as a pharmacist.
“You have completed the first phase of your training as a pharmacist by this induction while the second phase of your training starts with the one-year statutory internship programme.
“Be reminded that you are expected to pass the pre-registration examination for pharmacists after your one-year internship that will qualify you to practice in Nigeria as pharmacist,” he said.
The Registrar, who was represented by Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ohiaeri, the South East Regional Director of the PCN, however, urged the new inductees to ensure that they maintain high ethical standard of the profession as the council would not tolerate any act of professional misconduct.
“Pharmacy is a noble profession and you are expected to abide by the ethics and regulations of the profession.
“PCN will not hesitate to withdraw the license of any pharmacist found in any form of professional misconduct that will tarnish the image of the council,” he said.
According to him, the council frowns at professional misconduct, that was why PCN has investigative panel and disciplinary tribunal that handle issues of professional misconducts.
In a remark, Mr Ike Onyechi, the chairman of the occasion and the President, UNN Pharmacists Alumni Association worldwide, recalled how he had his induction 44 years ago in UNN and urged the inductees to abide by the rules and ethics of the Pharmacy profession.
He congratulated the inductees for being successful after passing through the rigorous academic process and scrutiny that qualified them to be pharmacists.
Speaking, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was the Special Guest of Honour, congratulated the inductees and reminded them to always remember their alma mata and states and avoid anything that would bring bad reputation to them.
While delivering the Keynote Speech, titled: “Navigating the Future of Pharmacy Profession: Embracing Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship”, Prof. Charles Esimone, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, said that pharmacy practice is undergoing a paradigm shift.
Esimone said that the traditional role of pharmacists as dispensers of medication is rapidly evolving as Pharmacists are now key players in the broader healthcare ecosystem, serving as medical experts, patient educators, clinical consultants and Innovators.
“The future of the pharmacy profession is anchored in innovation, technology and entrepreneur; they are the force that will shape how we practice, how we interact with patients, and how we contribute to healthcare in the coming decades.
“Today, as you take your oath, you are not just stepping into a profession, you are stepping into a legacy of service, excellence, and leadership.
“You have the knowledge, the skill, and the potential to navigate the future of pharmacy with confidence and purpose.
“I challenge you to think beyond your current horizons, to embrace Innovation, to harness technology, and to lead with an entrepreneurial spirit, the future of the profession depends on them,” he said.
Also in a remark, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the UNN, represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), urged the new inductees to be good ambassadors of the university by being role models anywhere they find themselves.
The acting VC commended the faculty of pharmaceutical science for its continued academic excellence and dedication to duty.
Earlier, Prof. Chukwuemeka Nworu, Dean, Facility of Pharmaceutical Science, UNN, congratulated the new pharmacists and reminded them that they are stepping into a noble profession built on a foundation of discipline, dedication, and excellence.
“I charge you to uphold these values as you strive to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
“We are in the 21st century, defined by rapid advancements and intense competition, but with hard work, Innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset, you will not only succeed but also stand out.
“Remember, you are ‘lion pharmacists’, as the lion is the king of the jungle, you are expected to lead in your field, be it through continuous learning, performing you duties with utmost professionalism,” he said.
The Dean also urged the inductees to always remember to give back to the institution that nurtured them by contributing to sustain the legacy of the faculty and inspire the next generation of lion pharmacists.
He expressed profound gratitude to the registrar of PCN and his entire team for their invaluable support in making the induction ceremony a reality.
Nworu commended the Local Organising Committee for the ceremony, led by Dr Ebere Ayogu, Associate Dean, and other members of the faculty who contributed in one way or the other to make the induction a success.
The dean announced Esther Eze as the overall best graduating student of the session with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98.
