The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Jos inducted 39 graduands into the pharmaceutical profession during its 49th induction and oath-taking ceremony on 15th November 2024.
The event, held at the University’s Multipurpose Auditorium on the Bauchi Road campus, was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, principal officers of the university, faculty members, dignitaries, family members, and students.
The Vice Chancellor, in his opening remarks, stated that as part of its strategic planning, the University of Jos would continue to contribute to the training of quality manpower to meet global healthcare needs. He warmly congratulated the inductees for completing the rigorous training in pharmaceutical sciences.
“You have gone through the funnel of fire to become gold. I believe that whatever challenges and stresses you have encountered in the faculty, all the troubles are now over. Congratulations,” he said.
The VC encouraged the inductees to become ambassadors of high professionalism and ethics, advising them not to engage in drug abuse. *”I urge you all to shun all forms of shabby practices, which have the capacity to tarnish your image and that of your profession,” he added.
Prof. Ndidi Ngwuluka, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who was the immediate past inaugural lecturer, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm welcome to all those who graced the occasion. She emphasized the significance of the oath and offered words of encouragement to the newly inducted graduates, urging them to let the oath serve as a reminder as they begin their professional journey into the pharmaceutical world.
“As graduands of UNIJOS, you are inheriting a profound responsibility. The profession is one that not only requires technical expertise but calls for compassion, ethical judgment, and a commitment to lifelong learning. You have navigated complex concepts, laboratory work, and field experiences, and yet you have remained steadfast, driven by your passion to improve the well-being of others. Embrace this responsibility with humility, empathy, and a continued thirst for knowledge,” she said.
The keynote address speaker, Pharm. Simon Gyede, in his speech, urged the inductees to embrace innovation, collaboration, and, most importantly, focus on patient care. “Innovation is something you cannot rule out as pharmacists in the field, but the opportunities will come,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with other healthcare practitioners to improve developmental skills and maintain a friendly working environment.
Pharm. Gyede also drew attention to the challenges faced in the field, advising the graduands that as stakeholders in the pharmaceutical profession, they are responsible for monitoring, checkmating, and ensuring that every patient is well-catered for and satisfied.
The oath-taking, led by Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), represented by Pharm. Emmanuel Bayode, resonated through the auditorium. Afterward, the graduands were presented with certificates.
Following the oath-taking, Pharm. Bayode delivered a speech, urging the newly inducted pharmacists to uphold high ethical standards and leadership qualities. “I urge you to maintain high ethical standards and leadership qualities, and also ensure that you are worthy professionals for the achievement of excellence in pharmaceutical practices and safe healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
He also encouraged strict compliance with the code of ethics to compete favorably in the pharmaceutical profession. *”Strict compliance with the code of ethics is crucial to the pharmacy profession, after which you will have the opportunity to compete favorably with your colleagues,”* he explained.
Pharm. Bayode, who is also the North Central Coordinator of the PCN, spoke on professional misconduct, urging the graduands to refrain from all forms of dishonesty in their practice. “The council (PCN) frowns upon professional misconduct, which is treated with utmost seriousness. PCN has established investigative panels and disciplinary tribunals for handling issues of professional misconduct. Refrain from all forms of dishonesty in your practice and throughout your lifetime.”*
Professional Opinion
In an interview, Prof. Ndidi C. Ngwuluka, the first female Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, explained the significance of the oath-taking ceremony, where graduates are inducted into the pharmaceutical profession. “When they take the oath, they are pledging to be empathetic, committed to patient care, and ethical in their dealings, wherever they are. I encourage students to become ten-star pharmacists, be leaders, and always keep learning.”*
Newly Inducted Pharmacists React
In an interview, Pharm. Paul Enguweten expressed his joy for completing the program and thanked God for His grace. “It hasn’t been easy, but God’s grace has kept me. I came in with the hope that God would make it possible, and to His glory, it is possible. Though there were many challenges, the Lord helped me overcome them. I thank my parents, especially my mum, for her support and prayers. As a pharmacist, I want to give my best to the health delivery system and provide quality health services.”
Similarly, Pharm. Okoli Mari shared her excitement and gratitude for being inducted into the profession. “I feel grateful to be inducted into the pharmacy profession. I thank God for the grace and opportunity to become a pharmacist. I will continue to impact others and push my career to improve the world.”
Pharm. Azama Emanual expressed confidence that the knowledge he has acquired will allow him to touch lives and make a positive impact. “With the knowledge I have gained here, I know I will touch lives and make an impact.”
Report by Pololis Danladi (Pharmacy Department Correspondent) 3/5
