The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and halt what it describes as a dangerous culture of physician domination across Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
In an open letter dated June 16, 2025, and signed by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, and National Secretary, Pharm. (Mrs.) Omokhafe Ashore, the association, accused certain physician-led groups of manipulating government policies and appointments for selfish interests.
The ACPN raised alarm over recent developments at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), where physician lecturers reportedly embarked on strike action over the selection of a new Vice Chancellor.
This, the association said, mirrors a similar incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), where the appointment of a Vice Chancellor was nullified following protests by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), citing the absence of a physician in the role.
The ACPN decried what it termed a growing pattern of using industrial action as a weapon of blackmail to subvert due process in academia.
According to the association, such actions are rooted in a broader culture of intimidation and institutional favouritism that has empowered physician ministers, particularly in the Health and Education ministries, to entrench discriminatory practices.
It criticized the federal government’s alleged complicity in sustaining this culture, describing it as “a shameful blackmail” and an affront to merit-based governance.
The letter further expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusive appointment of physicians as Chief Executive Officers of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) since 1985, often based solely on their medical qualifications rather than academic credentials.
“In most cases, these physicians lack the academic PhDs required for leadership in academic and research settings, yet they are favoured over more qualified professionals,” the ACPN stated.
Widespread Mismanagement
Beyond appointments, the pharmacists lamented widespread mismanagement in the health sector. It cited the inability of FHIs to maintain stable electricity supply, failure in drug procurement systems, and growing corruption as evidence of poor leadership.
A recent incident at a Federal Specialist Hospital in Irua, where a senior pharmacist was reportedly victimized for offering professional advice that challenged improper drug revolving fund practices.
The ACPN said the matter was brushed aside after the investigation team, dominated by physicians from the Federal Ministry of Health, exonerated the hospital’s physician CEO.
The ACPN also criticized the continued marginalization of non-physician health professionals, particularly pharmacists, in key health programmes.
It recalled how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacists were successfully engaged in vaccine administration, an effort that gained international recognition yet the NPHCDA refused to institutionalize their role, dismissing their contributions despite global best practices and recommendations from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
On procurement reforms, the ACPN faulted the recent approval of the “MEDIPOOL” scheme, noting that it lacked adequate consultation with pharmaceutical stakeholders.
It demanded the establishment of a Federal Drug Management Agency to oversee procurement and distribution of medical supplies, using funds from the Basic Health Provision Fund and aligning with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines of 2015.
The association warned that unless the government curbs this trend of over-pampering and over-rewarding one cadre of professionals, national development will be stunted.
It said the humiliation of other health workers was already discouraging young Nigerians from joining the healthcare workforce, as no one wants to be “an underdog in a system skewed against equity.
The ACPN emphasized that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will remain a mirage unless issues surrounding health insurance, primary healthcare, and drug procurement are addressed with sincerity and inclusivity
“We reiterated the need for President Tinubu to assert leadership and ensure that governance across the health and education sectors is based on merit, competence, and fairness.”
The association stated, “The time to act is now in the public interest,” urging President Tinubu to call off these bluffs and restore balance, equity, and professionalism in public service.