Registrar Urges 64 ESUT Pharmacy Graduates to Uphold High Ethical Standards
The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, delivered an important message to the 64 graduands of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). During the 3rd oath-taking and induction ceremony held in Agbani, Enugu State, the Registrar encouraged the new graduates to adhere to the ethics and leadership standards set by the PCN for the sake of quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
In his address, the Registrar emphasized the significance of acquainting themselves with the Code of Professional Ethics, which outlines their moral and professional responsibilities to patients, fellow pharmacists, other healthcare professionals, employers, and the public. Strict adherence to these ethical standards is crucial for practicing pharmacy professionally.
He also warned against misconduct during practice, noting that the PCN Investigation Panel and Disciplinary Tribunal are stringent in dealing with pharmacists found guilty of violating professional ethics.
During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, congratulated the graduands and affirmed the University’s commitment to improving education and scholarship. He also announced immediate employment for the best-graduating student, Innocent Rejoicing Chijindum. The Vice-Chancellor expressed his goal of fostering collaborations with the private sector to benefit both the University and the community.
The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Anthony Attama, shared the joy of the NUC’s approval for the commencement of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) degree program starting from the 2023/2024 academic session. He also expressed gratitude for the ongoing construction of the new ESUT Faculty of Pharmacy building, which is set to become the largest in West Africa.
The keynote speaker, Kenneth Onuegbu, National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, discussed the significant role of the pharmaceutical sector in improving the nation’s health and stimulating economic growth. While Nigeria has the second-largest pharmaceutical market in Africa, it contributes less than 0.5% to the country’s GDP. Properly harnessing the potential of the pharmaceutical sector could positively impact GDP growth, employment generation, and foreign direct investment.
The event was graced by principal and key officers of ESUT, including the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University Registrar, ESUT Bursar, University Librarian, Deans, and faculty staff of Pharmaceutical Sciences, as well as parents and well-wishers of the graduates. The occasion marked an important milestone for the new pharmacists as they embark on their professional journey with a commitment to upholding ethical standards and contributing to the healthcare sector’s growth and development in Nigeria.
