Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy Hails NUC’s Approval of Pharm.D Doctoral Program
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is celebrating a major milestone with the National Universities Commission (NUC) officially adopting the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree. This new program will replace the old Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) as the core professional degree for aspiring pharmacists in Nigerian universities.
The announcement, which was made in a statement signed by Professor Lere Baale (President) and Mrs. Clare Omatseye (Public Relations), was met with strong approval from the Academy. They called the NUC’s decision a game-changer that aligns Nigeria with global standards and positions the country’s pharmacy profession for greater impact.
Why This Matters
The move to Pharm.D is a significant one. It reflects the growing complexity and importance of pharmacy in today’s healthcare system. In fact, this change shows that the profession is evolving beyond traditional drug manufacturing and research. Today, pharmacists play key roles in clinical decision-making, direct patient care, and leadership in healthcare settings.
Pharm.D will offer a well-rounded curriculum that combines research, clinical practice, industrial knowledge, and leadership skills. This transformation is not just about staying current—it’s about making Nigerian pharmacists globally competitive and better equipped to tackle healthcare challenges.
Looking Ahead
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy commended the NUC for its forward-thinking approach, recognizing that this shift will not only advance the pharmaceutical field but also strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare and industrial sectors. With the right training, pharmacists will be able to make an even bigger difference both locally and internationally.
The Academy called on universities, healthcare institutions, and professional bodies to fully embrace this change and collaborate on its successful rollout. They also acknowledged the dedicated advocacy efforts of organizations like the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and other key players who helped make this possible.
A Bright Future
This decision by the NUC is just the beginning. The Academy hopes this reform will inspire further changes in the education and training of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Ultimately, it’s all about improving healthcare delivery for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
