By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted 115 pharmacy graduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University into the profession.
The induction and oath-taking ceremony, which took place at the Juhel Auditorium, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agulu Campus, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 had its theme as, “Pharmacy Practices: Guided by Values, Driven by Purpose.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the 14th Induction Ceremony and Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye described pharmacists as public health advocates and researchers saddled with the responsibility of drugs production and safety.
Rt. Hon. Okoye while congratulating the graduands reminded them that the society needs their knowledge and expertise in order to uplift humanity. The lawmaker urged the inductees to take their profession with pride as they are the future of health promotion in the society.
In his address, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu described pharmacy practice as patients-centered focusing on patients’ welfare.
The Acting VC informed that the induction ceremony was an opportunity to dwell on the full implications for the pharmacist of the patients-centered stance and the core value underpinning successful pharmacy practice.
Prof. Ikechebelu disclosed that his administration has a short-term vision targeted at transforming the institution captured as BLESSeD UNIZIK with a hedge-hog concept of Happy Productive Staff and Happy Productive Students.
Delivering his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Sunday Nduka, disclosed that the new pharmacists were the 2023/2024 graduating set of the faculty.
The Dean affirmed that the faculty has fulfilled her obligation of training and equipping them with the right arsenal including knowledge, skills and ethics needed to navigate the world and excel in life.
Prof. Nduka reminded the Graduands that their role is crucial as they are entrusted with optimizing medication use, improving patient outcomes, expanding access to care and reducing healthcare costs while providing patients-centered, team-based care across diverse healthcare settings.
In his keynote address, Pharm. Valentine Okelu offered that pharmacy practice is multifaceted but can be simply defined as the Art and Science of preparing, dispensing and reviewing medicines along with offering advice to ensure the best outcomes for everyone.
Pharm Okelu posited that as pharmacists, their purpose should be crystal clear in improving health outcomes, alleviating suffering and advancing healthcare through contributing to the development of new therapies and services.
The Registrar of PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, described oath-taking and induction as one of the key requirements prescribed by the PCN Establishment Act, which has to be fulfilled before registration as a pharmacist.
Pharm. Ahmed urged graduands to maintain high ethical standards and leadership skills as prescribed by the PCN and endeavour to be worthy professionals for the attainment of excellence in the provision of quality pharmaceutical services for sustainable healthcare delivery in the country.
The PCN boss warned the inductees not to indulge in unwholesome practices, saying the Council frowns at professional misconduct in its entirety.
Others who spoke during the induction ceremony were the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Pharmaceuticals and Medical matters, Dr. Godwin Nnadozie.
Remarks by the Royal Father of the Day, HRM Igwe Pharm Elochukwu Mbanefo, Ozuruoha II of Orsumoghu; former member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Chinedu Samuel Onwuaso who spoke on behalf of the parents and guardians as well as one of the graduands.
Highlights of the occasion included unveiling of the Faculty’s T-shirts and launching; administration of pharmacists oath on the graduands by the Registrar of PCN; presentation of PCN awards by the Registrar of PCN to the Best Graduating Student, Darawuzie Nneoma Didara as well as presentation of provisional certificates to the graduands.
