The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on federal and state governments to prioritise sustained and strategic investment in pharmaceutical education, describing it as a critical pillar for national security and healthcare self-sufficiency.
This formed the central focus of discussions at the 2026 Pharmacy Colloquium held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yola, in Adamawa State.
Stakeholders at the high-level gathering emphasised that Nigeria’s healthcare ambitions may remain unattainable without a modern, well-funded, and forward-looking pharmaceutical education system.
Declaring the colloquium open, the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri—represented by the Deputy Governor, Kaletapwa Farauta—announced government approval for the establishment of a College of Pharmacy at Adamawa State University, Mubi.
The announcement was widely applauded by participants, who described it as a model for other states to emulate.
Leading the advocacy, the PSN President and Chairman of Council, Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, stressed that pharmacy education must be repositioned beyond an academic pursuit to a strategic national investment.
“Advancing the transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programme, alongside strengthening institutions such as the National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy, would help produce a highly skilled workforce capable of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines.”
Ibrahim also called for improved infrastructure to support the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and internship programmes, as well as the protection and expansion of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre to address the persistent brain drain in the sector.
In his keynote address, Cyril Odianose Usifoh identified a disconnect between academic qualifications and healthcare outcomes, advocating for a shift towards competency-based training focused on critical thinking, innovation, and patient-centred care.
He further emphasised the need to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital health systems into pharmacy education.
The Society also urged government investment in infrastructure to standardise and commercialise Nigeria’s rich biodiversity in phytomedicine, positioning indigenous medicinal plants as viable therapeutic options and drivers of economic growth.
Participants noted that these recommendations align with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022, which provides a strengthened regulatory framework for the profession.
Former PSN President Ahmed I. Yakasai said the Act enhances accountability in the use of public resources while reinforcing regulatory oversight to safeguard public health.