Pharmacy Education in Nigeria Requires Strategic Overhaul to Boost Local Drug Production
Experts and government officials have issued a strong call for a comprehensive strategic overhaul of pharmacy education in Nigeria, emphasizing its critical role in achieving national healthcare goals and reducing dependence on imported medicines. The push was highlighted at the 2026 Pharmacy Colloquium held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yola, Adamawa State, where stakeholders gathered to address pressing issues in the pharmaceutical sector.
Repositioning Education as a National Investment
The President and Chairman of Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, stressed that pharmacy education must be repositioned beyond a mere academic endeavor to become a strategic national investment. He argued that advancing the transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programme and strengthening institutions like the National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy are essential steps. These measures, he noted, would produce a highly skilled workforce capable of driving local drug manufacturing and curbing Nigeria's reliance on imported medicines.
Ibrahim further highlighted the need to reinforce infrastructure supporting the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and internship programmes. He also called for the protection and expansion of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre as a key strategy to mitigate the persistent brain drain affecting the sector. Without a modern, well-funded, and forward-looking pharmaceutical education system, Nigeria's healthcare aspirations will remain elusive, stakeholders warned.
Government Support and Policy Announcements
Declaring the colloquium open, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, signaled strong government backing for the initiative. In a significant policy announcement, the governor approved the establishment of a College of Pharmacy at Adamawa State University, Mubi. This move was widely applauded as a benchmark for other states to emulate, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing pharmaceutical education infrastructure.
The event attracted key government functionaries, including the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley; the Head of Service, Pharm. Isa Shehu Ardo mni; the Commissioner for Health, Chief Felix Tangwami; and the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health, Pharm. Zinra Bubanani. Proceedings were moderated by Hon. Pharm. Mrs. Nneka Cecilia Okwuma, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters, ensuring a focused and productive dialogue.
Addressing Professional Misalignment and Integrating Technology
In his keynote address, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh identified a disconnect between academic qualifications and healthcare outcomes, advocating for a shift towards competency-based training. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking, innovation, and patient-centered care in pharmacy education. Additionally, Usifoh called for the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital health systems, into the curriculum to keep pace with global advancements.
The Society also urged government investment in infrastructure to standardize and commercialize Nigeria's rich biodiversity in phytomedicine. By positioning indigenous medicinal plants as viable therapeutic options, this initiative could drive economic growth and reduce import dependency. These recommendations are anchored on the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022, which provides a strengthened regulatory framework for the profession.
Former PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, noted that the Act enhances accountability in the utilization of public resources while reinforcing regulatory oversight to safeguard public health. He underscored the importance of leveraging this legal framework to support educational reforms and sectoral development.
Professional Unity and Collaborative Efforts
A strong display of professional unity was evident with the presence of the PSN College of Past Presidents, including Pharm. Mohammad Yaro Budah mni, FPSN, who chaired the opening ceremony; Pharm. Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga mni (Chairman, Final Plenary); Pharm. Azubuike Okwor FPSN (Chairman, Plenary Report); Pharm. Olumide Akintayo FPSN (Lead Speaker and Chairman of Centenary Planning Committee); and Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, mni, FPSN (Colloquium speaker). Further contributions came from Pharm. Jimi Agbaje, OON, Chairman of the PSN Board of Trustees.
The masterclass sessions featured distinguished resource persons, including Engr. Charles Nnaji, Dr. Teresa Pounds (President, WASPEN), and Pharm. Bola Oyawole, FPSN. The colloquium also witnessed robust technical and international participation from professionals such as Dr. Teresa Pounds (President, WASPEN), Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, Pharm. Chief Ambrose Ezeh, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Ezebuilo, FPSN, Elechi Oyim, FPSN, Prof. Catherine Nonyelum Stanley, FPSN, and Pharm. Aliyu Zakari-Jiya, among others. Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, FPSN, Chairman of the Colloquium Steering Committee, alongside Pharm. Gafar Lanre Madehi, FPSN, National Secretary of the Committee, ensured seamless coordination of proceedings.
Conclusion and Future Directions
As the colloquium concluded, participants unanimously reiterated that building a globally competitive pharmaceutical sector depends on sustained investment in education, research, and local capacity development. The Society warned that without deliberate funding for specialized training and domestic drug manufacturing, Nigeria's health security will remain at risk. The call to action emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government, educational institutions, and professional bodies to transform pharmacy education into a cornerstone of national development and healthcare resilience.
