The Nnamdi Azikiwe University(NAU) 2021/2022 graduates of the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agulu campus Anambra State, have been tasked on the need for professionalism, collaboration among co-pharmacists and other stakeholders in the health sectors to navigate the realities of the time, overcome challenges and find opportunities towards improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria and globally.
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Addressing the 167 new inductees during the occasion of the 12th Induction/ Oath taking ceremony which held at Juhel Auditorium, NAU Agulu campus, the Vice Chancellor of NAU, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone represented by the Special Adviser to the VC on Academic Matters, Prof. Fredrick C. Odibo after congratulating the graduands on their new status urged them to embrace the excellence, integrity and hardwork which the ivory tower has recently evolved into.
“You must reflect the new legacies of discipline, hardwork, integrity and excellence of NAU experienced under the innovative leadership of our visionary VC, Prof Esimone who has transformed our institution within the shortest possible time. Five years ago, NAU was ranked 36th in Nigeria and 5000th in the world. Today, we are 4th in Nigeria and 1500th in the world Universities ranking. Our VC’s target is to achieve number 1 in Nigeria and ensure NAU ranks among the best 200 universities in the world before he bows out by June, 2024. Please as professionals go out there and make us proud,” said Odibo.
According to the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences NAU, Prof Chibueze Ihekwereme, in the pharmaceutical profession, we find ourselves in the intersections of healthcare, science and innovation. We are tasked with safeguarding the heaIth and well-being of our communities”.
“As you embark on your professional career keep in mind the significance of collaboration, for it is through working together that we can overcome the most formidable challenges and make the most of the available opportunities. The pharmacy profession is not merely about dispensing medications. It is about collaborating with other healthcare professionals, policy makers and the community to build a healthier and more sustainable future,” Ihekwereme noted.
In his address, the keynote speaker, Pharm Ike Ugwu, CEO Pharmacare Support Group who spoke on the theme – ”Challenges, Realities and Opportunities for Young Pharmacist Graduates: The Role of Collaboration”, encouraged the graduands to acquire more knowledge and skills saying that despite the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) world of which Nigerian society is worst hit, with collaboration and determination one can build a successful career as a pharmacist anywhere in the world.
Pharm Ugwu recommended 21 skills and abilities that will pay any professional while solving the litany of problems replete in both the health and other sectors of our society.
Speaking earlier while inducting the graduands into the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Registrar Pharm Ibrahim B. Ahmed who was represented by Pharm Dr. Tony Idoko ( Director of Education PCN) advised them to uphold the Codes of professional Ethics in pursuant of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to ensure proficiency and continued relevance of pharmacists in the healthcare team. He further warned them on the possibility of revoking one’s licence if found guilty of gross professional misconduct.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Chief Oliver Ezeobi Ezemunachim, CEO Paragon Pharmacy challenged the inductees not to rush out of Nigeria in search of greener pastures but stay back like him to better the healthcare issues facing the country saying that with innovations and new ideas one could make impact in the society and still make money solving healthcare problems in Nigeria.
In their separate speeches, dignitaries like Anamba State Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Josephat Obasi, CEO Pax Pharmaceuticals, Pharm Uche Akpakama, CEO Juhel Pharmaceuticals, Chief Dr Eric Okoye, Royal father of the day, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor of Agulu, The Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa (Ezeamaalu), Barr. Sir Felix Uzor( Ichie Enyi II), Chief Sir Boniface Onwuka(Okom II), Oba Pg Emeritus, Rev Chris Emelie, Nze Ifeanyi Onwupenata(Obiaomee Ogbataonua) who graced the occasion prayed the good Lord to bless the graduands as they pursue their careers in life.
The overall Best Graduand, Pharm. Mrs Ezinne Anieto after thanking God, her family members, lecturers and fellow students said that her emergence was as a result of culmination of years of hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to studies with the help of God.
Highlights of the event include induction/Oath taking by the graduands, Awards and cash reward presentations to deserving dignitaries and best graduating pharmaceutical students, Valedictory Speech by Pharm. Chinenye Ezinne Anieto who emerged the overall Best Graduating NAU Pharmaceutical Sciences Student 2021/2022, pictures and cutting of cakes by individual graduands.
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