The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has held its pre-conference press briefing ahead of its 98th Annual National Conference, tagged "DABO 2025", scheduled to take place from November 3 to 8, 2025, at the Convocation Hall, Bayero University, Kano.
The event, held at the PSN National Secretariat, Anthony Village, Lagos, on October 14, 2025, brought together top executives of the Society, members of the media, policy makers, and key stakeholders in the health sector to discuss critical national health issues and expectations for the forthcoming conference themed “Pharmacy Forward: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Performance, Collaboration and Transformation.”
Among the dignitaries present were Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Bola Oyawole, Treasurer of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy and former Chairman of PSN Lagos Branch.
Addressing the gathering, the PSN President, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, said the Society remains committed to strengthening the pharmaceutical workforce and ensuring fairness in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“We shall approach this briefing from four main perspectives — the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Technical Committee, the recurring misnomer of Universities of Medicine/Medical Sciences in Nigeria, the PSN Centenary Celebration (1927–2027), and our 98th Annual Conference, DABO 2025,” he stated.
He decried the proposed salary relativity between the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing it as divisive and unjust. “This proposal, if allowed, will widen the disparity within the health sector,” he said. “The PSN will resist any attempt to trample on the rights of pharmacists or any other health professional.”
The PSN President also criticized the growing trend of naming new tertiary institutions as “Universities of Medicine,” describing the practice as discriminatory, unconstitutional, and detrimental to multidisciplinary collaboration in healthcare training.
He further announced plans for the PSN Centenary Celebration in 2027, describing it as a historic milestone that would showcase pharmacy’s enduring contributions to national development and public health advancement.
“Our centenary will be a celebration of resilience, excellence, and impact,” he said. “We will use the occasion to highlight pharmacy’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s health system and inspire a new generation of professionals.”
In his remarks, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose, National Chairman of ACPN, commended the PSN for its proactive leadership and called on all pharmacists to look forward to the Kano conference, which he described as “a gathering that promises inspiration, learning, and professional renewal.”
Speaking after the briefing in an interview with CEOAFRICA, Pharm. Tanko described DABO 2025 as “a conference to remember,” promising a well-packaged, exciting, and impactful experience for all participants.
“I invite all pharmacists and non-pharmacists alike to take advantage of this opportunity — come to learn, network, showcase your products, and have fun,” he said. “Before the main conference, there will be a golf tournament. The entire event is fully packaged, with paper presentations, an opening ceremony, panel discussions, and a gala night.”
He revealed that over 5,000 pharmacists are expected to participate in the Kano conference, with provisions for on-site registration for those yet to sign up. “This is my first national conference as PSN President, and I expect it to be one of the most successful in recent history,” he added. “You won’t regret coming to Kano — it will be a time to reunite, reconnect, and grow together.”
Pharm. Tanko further stated that the Society will use the occasion to honour distinguished pharmacists and friends of the profession who have contributed immensely to the growth of pharmacy in Nigeria. “Without the efforts of our past presidents and committed members, we wouldn’t have reached this height,” he said. “We will also recognise non-pharmacists who have supported our journey and the progress of pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria.”
Looking ahead, the PSN President reiterated the Society’s plans for its Centenary Celebration in 2027, to be held in Abuja, with participation from national, state, and international partners, including the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
“Our centenary will be a moment to reflect on our journey and project the future of pharmacy,” he concluded. “We call on all pharmacists across the world to join us in celebrating 100 years of professional excellence and service to humanity.”
