By Sekyen Walshak
The University of Jos has inducted its first set of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) graduates, with a total of 90 inductees formally admitted into the pharmaceutical profession during the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ 50th induction and oath-taking ceremony, marking a major milestone in the institution’s academic evolution.
The ceremony highlighted the transition from the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) programme to the more clinically oriented Pharm.D. degree, designed to strengthen patient-centred care and healthcare delivery.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Bukata B. Bukar, expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the challenges that nearly stalled the ceremony.
He said, “We have faced a lot of challenges to get to this day… even this morning there was insistence that it should be postponed. But we thank God that we are here”
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for his support, noting that necessary arrangements were made to ensure the success of the programme, despite prevailing concerns.
He, however, highlighted pressing challenges including shortage of academic staff, infrastructural deficits and the need for improved logistics to support clinical training.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, described the event as a proud moment for the university, emphasising the significance of inducting the pioneer Pharm.D. graduates.
He said, “Today stands as a testament to perseverance and commitment… we can confidently say that establishing the Pharm.D. program was the right decision.”
While congratulating the inductees, he urged them to uphold professionalism and integrity.
He added, “As you take your oath, serve with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Your learning does not end here; it has only just begun.”
He also noted that the ceremony was held amid recent security concerns within the community, revealing that two students and a staff member were still receiving treatment following an incident, while prayers were offered for the victims.
Chairman of the occasion and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Doro, emphasised the versatility and global relevance of pharmacy training.
He said, “The skills you have acquired are world-class and globally relevant; pharmacists today are contributing across different spheres of life”
Drawing from his experience in clinical practice, he underscored the evolving role of pharmacists in patient-centred care.
He further charged the inductees to practice with empathy and remain committed to continuous learning.
In a keynote address titled Bridging Science and Patient Care: The Journey from B.Pharm to Pharm.D., Pharm. Iyeseun Asieba described pharmacy as a noble and evolving profession.
She said, Pharmacists must move from being dispensers of tablets to dispensers of value and impact.
She noted that in Nigeria, about 30,000 pharmacists have been registered historically, with roughly 19,000 currently practicing, adding that the pharmacist-to-patient ratio remains far below the recommended standard, highlighting a gap in healthcare delivery.
She explained that the Pharm.D. training includes extensive clinical exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on patient care, preparing pharmacists to play a more active role in improving patient outcomes and reducing medication-related errors.
Representing the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Anthony Idoko reminded the inductees of the ethical and professional responsibilities required for practice.
He said, “This ceremony is a key requirement for registration as a pharmacist in Nigeria. Upholding high ethical standards and professionalism.”
He also outlined the next phase of training to include the mandatory one-year internship and pre-registration examination.The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath, which officially welcomed the inductees into the pharmaceutical profession.
The induction of the pioneer Pharm.D. graduates signifies a new era for pharmaceutical education at the University of Jos and reinforces the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive healthcare professionals equipped to bridge the gap between science and patient care.