The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has adopted a landmark proposal from the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), marking global recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in advancing community pharmacy practice.
The announcement was made during the 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 31 August to 3 September 2025, under the theme “Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration and Health Transformation”.
Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, ACPN National Chairman, presented a paper titled “Standardisation: Career Progression Ratings for Community Pharmacists in Nigeria,” which outlined a new framework to establish structured, competency-based career paths for community pharmacists.
His presentation, chaired by Mr. Sheriff Guorgui, Chairman of the FIP Community Pharmacy section, was adopted as a model for global implementation.
Ezeh noted that in Nigeria, community pharmacists face a stagnant career structure where the position of Superintendent Pharmacist serves as both the entry and terminal rank.
“Theoretically, there is no difference between a beginner and an experienced practitioner,” he observed.
This lack of differentiation, he argued, diminishes motivation, limits innovation, and discourages younger professionals from choosing community pharmacy as a career.
To address this, the ACPN established an Accreditation and Standardisation Committee, which led to the creation of the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI).
The pioneering body is designed to provide transparent assessments, mentorship, workshops, and continuous evaluation aimed at improving professional growth.
According to Ezeh, CPACPI will empower pharmacists to deliver safer, patient-centred, and innovative healthcare services while offering recognition through structured progression.
He emphasised that performance ratings and progression schemes are proven motivators for excellence and commitment in professional practice.
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Challenges such as the absence of standardised metrics and the evolving healthcare landscape were highlighted as key barriers to community pharmacy advancement.
However, Ezeh pointed to opportunities in creating systems that retain talent, enhance competence, and improve patient outcomes.
The initiative’s objectives include assessment, career progression, professional development, and quality improvement.
“Benefits for pharmacists include webinars, mentorship programmes, periodic evaluations, and professional documentation—tools expected to boost recognition and global competitiveness,” he said.
FIP’s endorsement of Nigeria’s proposal represents a milestone in global pharmacy practice, positioning the country as a policy innovator within the profession.
It is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s voice in shaping health reforms across Africa.
In his closing remarks, Ezeh described the adoption as a “historic moment” for the ACPN, calling on pharmacists to embrace the opportunities the new framework offers.
“This initiative is poised to evaluate, support, and elevate the practice of community pharmacy across Nigeria,” he said.