The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on federal and state governments to prioritize sustained and strategic investment in pharmaceutical education, describing it as a critical pillar for national security and the achievement of healthcare self-sufficiency.
This position formed the central focus of deliberations at the 2026 Pharmacy Colloquium held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yola, Adamawa State. Stakeholders at the high-level gathering emphasized that Nigeria’s healthcare aspirations will remain elusive without a modern, well-funded, and forward-looking pharmaceutical education system.
Declaring the colloquium open, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri—represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta—signaled strong government backing for the initiative. In a major policy announcement, the governor approved the establishment of a College of Pharmacy at Adamawa State University, Mubi, a move widely applauded as a benchmark for other states to emulate.
Leading the advocacy, the President and Chairman of Council of the PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, underscored that pharmacy education must be repositioned beyond an academic endeavor to a strategic national investment. He stressed that advancing the transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programme, alongside strengthening institutions such as the National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy, would produce a highly skilled workforce capable of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines.
He further highlighted the need to reinforce infrastructure supporting the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and internship programmes, while calling for the protection and expansion of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre as a key measure to curb the persistent brain drain affecting the sector.
Concerns over professional misalignment also featured prominently. In his keynote address, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh identified a disconnect between academic qualifications and healthcare outcomes, advocating for a shift towards competency-based training that emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and patient-centered care. He also called for the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital health systems, into pharmacy education.
In addition, the Society urged government investment in infrastructure to standardize and commercialize Nigeria’s rich biodiversity in phytomedicine, positioning indigenous medicinal plants as viable therapeutic options and drivers of economic growth.
These recommendations are anchored on the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act 2022, which provides a strengthened regulatory framework for the profession. Former PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, noted that the Act enhances accountability in the utilization of public resources while reinforcing regulatory oversight to safeguard public health.
The colloquium attracted key government functionaries, including the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley; the Head of Service, Pharm. Isa Shehu Ardo (mni); the Commissioner for Health, Chief Felix Tangwami; and the Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Zinra Bubanani. Proceedings were moderated by Hon. Pharm. Mrs. Nneka Cecilia Okwuma, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters.
A strong display of professional unity was evident with the presence of the PSN College of Past Presidents, including Pharm. Mohammad Yaro Budah (mni), who chaired the opening ceremony; Pharm. Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga (Chairman, Final Plenary); Pharm. Azubuike Okwor (Chairman, Plenary Report); Pharm. Olumide Akintayo (Lead Speaker and Chairman of Centenary Planning Committee) and Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai,( Colloquium speaker ).
Further contributions came from Pharm. Jimi Agbaje, Chairman of the PSN Board of Trustees. The masterclass sessions featured distinguished resource persons including Engr. Charles Nnaji, Dr. Teresa Pounds (President, WASPEN), and Pharm. Bola Oyawole.
The colloquium also witnessed robust technical and international participation from professionals such as Dr. Teresa Pounds (President, WASPEN) Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, Pharm. Chief Ambrose Ezeh, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Ezebuilo, Elechi Oyim, Prof. Catherine Nonyelum Stanley, Pharm. Aliyu Zakari-Jiya, among others.
Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, Chairman of the Colloquium Steering Committee, alongside Pharm. Gafar Lanre Madehi, National Secretary of the Committee, ensured seamless coordination of proceedings.
As the colloquium concluded, participants unanimously reiterated that building a globally competitive pharmaceutical sector depends on sustained investment in education, research, and local capacity development. The Society warned that without deliberate funding for specialized training and domestic drug manufacturing, Nigeria’s health security will remain at risk.
The communiqué closed with a resounding call to action: “The future of pharmacy in Nigeria depends not only on knowledge, but on our collective commitment to reform, collaboration, innovation, and leadership.”
