The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted 115 pharmacy graduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, into the profession in a grand ceremony held at the Juhel Auditorium, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Agulu Campus, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
The event, themed “Pharmacy Practices: Guided by Values, Driven by Purpose,” saw dignitaries from various sectors in attendance as they celebrated the graduates’ transition into the professional field.
Pharmacists as Health Advocates
Chairman of the 14th Induction Ceremony and Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye, described pharmacists as public health advocates and essential contributors to drug production and safety. He congratulated the new inductees, emphasizing the crucial role they play in ensuring public health and urging them to uphold professionalism and integrity in their careers.
Commitment to Patient-Centered Care
In his address, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, highlighted the importance of patient-centered pharmacy practice. He noted that the induction marked an opportunity to reinforce the ethical values and responsibilities of pharmacists in ensuring optimal healthcare delivery. Prof. Ikechebelu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming UNIZIK through its BLESSeD UNIZIK vision, aimed at fostering a productive academic environment for staff and students.
Equipped for Excellence
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Sunday Nduka, commended the graduating class of 2023/2024, assuring that they had been well-equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to excel in their careers. He emphasized the graduates’ role in optimizing medication use, improving patient outcomes, and expanding access to quality healthcare.
Keynote Address and Ethical Expectations
Delivering the keynote address, Pharm. Valentine Okelu defined pharmacy practice as the “art and science of preparing, dispensing, and reviewing medicines.” He charged the new pharmacists to remain dedicated to improving health outcomes, alleviating suffering, and contributing to advancements in medical research and pharmaceutical services.
PCN Registrar, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, underscored the significance of the oath-taking ceremony, describing it as a key requirement before registration as a pharmacist. He urged the inductees to uphold high ethical standards and leadership skills while warning against professional misconduct.
Notable Remarks and Highlights
Other notable speakers at the event included the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Matters, Dr. Godwin Nnadozie, as well as the Royal Father of the Day, HRM Igwe Pharm. Elochukwu Mbanefo, Ozuruoha II of Orsumoghu. Also present was former federal lawmaker Hon. Chinedu Samuel Onwuaso, who spoke on behalf of the parents and guardians.
A key moment of the ceremony was the administration of the pharmacist’s oath by the PCN Registrar, followed by the presentation of provisional certificates to the graduands. The event also featured the unveiling and launching of the Faculty’s branded T-shirts.
In recognition of academic excellence, the Best Graduating Student, Darawuzie Nneoma Didara, received a prestigious PCN award presented by the Registrar.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the new pharmacists as they embark on their professional journey, fully equipped to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
