University Inducts 52 Pharmacists
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Ilorin, Unilorin has inducted 52 graduands of the 2020/2021 graduating class of the institution as Pharmacists.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Wahab Egbewole asserted that the pharmacist occupy a very important position in the hierarchy of healthcare professions in Nigeria.
He observed that they play key role in patient therapy management, making them feel better and get well as quickly as possible.
Egbewole pledged his commitment to making Unilorin the best again by any ranking in Nigeria and one of the best in Africa.
He reminded the pharmacists that patients’ recovery depends on their ability to effectively collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver creative and sustainable solutions, especially in cases requiring complex treatment.
“The values of team work are a sine-qua-non for optimal healthcare service delivery and should be upheld by all,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, congratulated the inductees on their success, which he said, is a culmination of many years of dedication and hard work, despite the interruption by the pandemic and industrial actions.
“As newly inducted members of the pharmacy profession, I urge you to maintain high ethical conduct and leadership standards set forth by the PCN.
“You should endeavour to serve as examples for the achievement of excellence in the provision of quality pharmaceutical services for sustainable healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he advised.
He reminded them of the global phenomenon that Pharmacy graduates are statutorily required to undergo 12 months of the continuous training programme under the supervision of a registered and currently licensed pharmacist in an internship centre approved by the PCN.
According to him, the internship period is primarily a training period and a period of preparation for future opportunities.
Ahmed submitted that Pharmacy was a noble profession that guarantee opportunities for new graduates to have great prospects of practicing in different fields such as industries, communities and hospitals.
“With this, you have huge options to select from. In doing this, do not undermine the activities of your colleagues,” he said.
The Managing Director of Keyhealth Pharmacy, Mr Bankole Ezebuilo, admonished the inductees to believe in their dream, challenge and anticipate dividends.
He also advised them to be entrepreneurial in job seeking, saying that self-employment allows them to use their specific skills.
“Running your own business can be exciting but it is not necessarily an easy pathway,” he said.
The Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University, Dr Sa’ad Abdullahi explained that this was the 7th Induction and Oath-taking ceremony of the Faculty.
He advised the inductees to approach the future with an open mind and be willing to learn from those they encounter.
Abdullahi noted that the 7th set of graduates were unique and regardless of their chosen area of practice, they have the opportunity to enrich the lives of those around them.
“I congratulate the inductees on the successful completion of their programme and urge them to be good ambassadors of the Faculty and the University,” he said.
NAN/Confidence Okwuchi
