Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has called for a strategic strengthening of pharmaceutical education to align with the evolving demands of modern healthcare, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services in Adamawa State.

The governor made the call while declaring open the three-day 2026 Colloquium of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Yola. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kaletapwa Farauta, he underscored the pivotal role pharmacists and other healthcare professionals play in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

The opening ceremony, chaired by the Chairman of the PSN Foundation Board of Trustees, Pharm. Yaro Budah, FPSN, mni, highlighted the necessity of professional leadership in driving healthcare reforms. Fintiri assured that his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for pharmaceutical professionals to thrive, with sustained investment in training, capacity building, and professional development.

Expressing concern over persistent gaps in the healthcare sector, the governor noted that the quality of service delivery is directly linked to the standard of education and training received by health professionals. He stressed that continuous professional development is critical to building a competent, ethical, and responsive pharmaceutical workforce.

“ A well-trained pharmacist is not only a dispenser of medicines but also a key player in patient care, drug safety, research, and public health advocacy ,” he stated.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Cyril Usifoh emphasized that for the pharmacy profession to remain relevant, the educational curriculum must transition from being purely product-focused to a more patient-centered approach that integrates digital health and advanced clinical skills.

Complementing this vision, Pharm. Dr. Theresa Pounds in her presentation, highlighted the critical need for the full implementation of the PharmD curriculum and advanced clinical residency programs. She noted that empowering pharmacists with specialized clinical training is essential for improving therapeutic outcomes and integrating pharmacists more effectively into the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Expanding on the legal framework of the profession, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo detailed the imperatives of the new Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022. He emphasized that the act marks a significant shift toward more encompassing regulatory functions, noting that the storage, supply, and dispensing of dangerous drugs remain the strict preserve of licensed pharmacists to protect public safety.

Adding to the regulatory discussions, Pharm. Anthony Bola Oyawole provided an update on pharmaceutical inspection processes, stressing that the uniform application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and strict adherence to Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) are non-negotiable for ensuring the safety and integrity of the drug supply chain.

Reinforcing the theme of professional excellence, former PSN President Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, mni, urged leaders within the council to translate this vision into reality by upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in their service to the public.

Addressing workforce shortages and the increasing rate of brain drain, Fintiri emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to position pharmaceutical practice as a cornerstone for achieving universal health coverage.

He further highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions responsible for training pharmacists, noting that excellence in education would produce professionals who are both technically sound and service-oriented. He also commended the PSN for its sustained advocacy and leadership in advancing pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

In a significant policy direction, the governor disclosed plans to establish a College of Pharmacy at the state university in Mubi, aimed at expanding access to pharmaceutical education for aspiring professionals.

Highlighting achievements in the health sector, Fintiri revealed that six new cottage hospitals have been constructed and equipped, while several general and specialist hospitals have undergone rehabilitation. He added that thousands of healthcare workers, including pharmacists, have been recruited under improved welfare conditions.

To further strengthen the profession, the governor approved the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre and enhanced the inclusion of pharmacists in governance through strategic appointments, including positions such as Head of Service and Senior Special Assistant on Pharmaceutical Matters.

In a move to boost local production and innovation, he expressed readiness to partner with pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing ventures within the state, a development he said would promote self-sufficiency in medical consumables and stimulate economic growth.

In her remarks, Deputy Governor Farauta noted the rapidly evolving nature of healthcare, driven by emerging diseases, technological advancements, and increasing demand for patient-centered care. She urged participants to leverage the colloquium as a platform for knowledge exchange and policy innovation.

She further encouraged stakeholders to translate deliberations into actionable policies that would enhance public health outcomes.

Earlier, President of the PSN, Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, stated that the colloquium forms part of activities marking the Society’s forthcoming centenary celebrations. He emphasized its significance in repositioning Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, particularly in local drug production, and advocated the establishment of a Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the state university.

He commended Governor Fintiri for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical education in Adamawa State.

Other stakeholders, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters and Chairman of the Steering Committee, Pharm. Golagade Iyiola, as well as Pharm. Dr. Ibrahim Tailba, also lauded the governor for what they described as unprecedented strides in the health sector.

The event attracted a wide array of stakeholders, including past presidents of the PSN, representatives of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and leaders of key pharmacy associations such as the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), National Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), and the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPS).

Also in attendance were top government officials, including the State Head of Service, the Commissioner for Health, and the Permanent Secretary, further underscoring the significance of the colloquium in shaping the future of pharmaceutical practice and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.