Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy applauds NUC’s adoption of doctoral pharmacy degree, Pharm.D

The Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy has commended a National Universities Commission‘s (NUC) in awarding the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree in place of the former Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree as the first professional degree in Pharmacy awarded by Nigerian universities.

A statement signed by Professor Lere Baale, President and Mrs. Clare Omatseye, Public Relations Officer, on behalf of

The National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy hailed the decision of the NUC as a commendable act which is in line with the prevailing practices around the world. The text reads:

“This change is in line with global best practices and positions global pharmacists to contribute significantly to drug development and healthcare development.

“The transition to the Pharm.D program shows the continuation of pharmacy in terms of growth, complexity and delivery of value in a world where health problems are growing and complex. In addition to their work in medicine and drug research and development and production and ensuring the availability and availability of drugs, practices clinical practice now includes clinical decision making, direct patient care and clinical leadership.

“The Pharm.D course enables pharmacists to integrate research, industry and medicine, as well as modern management and leadership.

“We commend the NUC for its foresight in helping to develop the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria and, by extension, the Nigerian health sector and industry. Pharmacists whose studies are relevant to the rapidly developing fields of medicine, science and industry may have the opportunity to advance these challenging fields nationally and internationally.

“Therefore, the Pharm.D course will enable Nigerian pharmacists to contribute more to the world and enhance their international competitiveness, empowering them to contribute more to global health.

“We call on all stakeholders – universities, professional bodies, pharmaceutical research and manufacturing organizations, students and health organizations – to embrace this change and work together to ensure its successful implementation. We also appreciate the efforts of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Nigeria The Academy of Pharmacy, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and other learned scientific bodies, have contributed to this respectable development.

“We are hopeful that this development will encourage significant changes in the education and training of medical professionals in Nigeria and encourage a more inclusive approach to healthcare delivery in Nigeria for the greater benefit of Nigerians. We are committed to supporting this change fully.”