Behind the counters of Nigeria’s pharmacies, a dedicated group of professionals works tirelessly to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines. Yet, despite their critical role in the healthcare system, pharmacists remain largely unsung heroes.
As we explored the world of pharmaceutical sciences, Unijos Echo met Dr. Dauda Adudu Dangiwa, a lecturer from the Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who graciously agreed to share his insights with us.
“Pharmacy to a great extent is not only production of drugs, but also about the educating, informing and counselling of patients when need arises.” Dr. Dangiwa, explains, his voice measured and thoughtful. “The pharmaceutical sciences of recent has witnessed a paradigm shift. Then, Pharmaceutics were majorly based on the Product Centered Approach, but now it is more of a Patient Centered Approach. This new paradigm emphasizes the new benefits of the patient.
Dr. Dangiwa elaborates more on Natural and Synthetic drugs. “Natural drugs are drugs which are produced directly from plants. Synthetic drugs are the ones we get from chemicals. So it is good we use natural products, because they are natural and their side effects are minimal.” According to him, 7o% of our drugs are imported while 3o% are made locally. However, he suggests possible ways Government policies can be improved upon in addressing Nigerians overdependence on imported drugs. “Government making a policy ensuring both the practice using complementary and orthodox medicines side by side, and running programs teaching the usage of natural products, rather than synthetic, would be better.”
Recall that Prof. Ndidi Ngwuluka, Dean Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences during the University’s 109th inaugural lecture, gave the lecture titled “NATURA POLYCEUTICS: The Sine Qua Non of Drug Delivery”, held on the 12th of November, 2024, highlighted the importance of natural polymers, and it presents a transformative advancement in drug delivery.
Natural Polymers are large complex molecules that are produced by living organisms. Eg. Natural rubber, proteins and food, etc.
Prof. Ngwuluka lecture advocates that it is high time we move back to using natural products in drug formulation and in the long run effective drug delivery.
“So as Pharmaceutical scientists, we have a critical role to play in ensuring the health needs of patients are well catered for”, Pro. Ngwuluka said.
As we delve deeper into the world of pharmaceutical sciences, we had interviews with four Student Pharmacists from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences who embody the passion, dedication, and idealism of this field, and shared their opinions as Student Pharmacists about the misconceptions of Pharmacists, how Pharmaceutical sciences can help address the challenges facing the field and ways to improve public awareness and understanding of Pharmaceutical sciences for the betterment of the health sector.
Speaking with Azumi, Aliyu, a 300-level female student of the Department of Pharmacy shared insight on the misconception which people have about the profession. According to her, “People who are not in the Pharmaceutical line, view pharmacists as just only people who are just only people who dispense drugs, but realistically, pharmacists are more than that, as we know a whole lot about drugs, their actions, mechanisms, side effects and how it works.” She said.
Similarly, Oppah Gaius, a 500-level student of the Department of Pharmacy gave further insight about the role of a pharmacist who is underestimated. This according to her is that from drug production to the dispensation of drugs to patients and ensuring that drugs are safe to maintain its effectiveness when taken.
She also, buttressed the fact that, in the healthcare system every professional is important for the overall growth of the sector. “In the healthcare system, every profession like Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and others, are important. So it’s a collective effort in ensuring that patients are well treated and catered for.”
Further, she highlights the issue of fake drugs, and effective management of patients, which are challenges facing the healthcare sector. However, she advised Pharmacists to ensure compliance in the production of standard drugs.
Solomon Solademi, a 300-level student of the Department of Pharmacy, shared his opinion on the matter. According to him, people are of the view that we are doing terribly bad and not progressing in the healthcare sector. But he is optimistic of progress ahead.
Raymond, a 400-level student of the Department of Pharmacy explains that the healthcare system in Nigeria is characterized by not just the delivery of services but provision of products that serve the healthcare needs of people so as to provide a good life. “So Pharmacy as a discipline is that profession that has both these services and the products that are needed to produce this outcome.” He said.
He also added that due to the high cost of medication, it’s high time pharmacists get their hands on deck to look at the environment for natural drugs rather than depending on synthetic drugs to meet up with the healthcare needs.
He also acknowledged that the institution of learning plays a vital role in training professionals who will be fit to the pharmaceutical space.
As we listen to their stories, it becomes clear that these students are not merely pursuing a career, they are driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world.
As we conclude our journey into the world of pharmaceutical sciences, it becomes clear that this field is not merely about molecules and medicines, it’s about people, passion, and purpose. It’s about harnessing the power of science to transform lives, alleviate suffering, and promote wellness.
Reports and Photo by Elisha Endurance Yak and Emeje Kingsley Unekwuojo (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Correspondents)
Edited by Israel Fakwagh Ciboh
