Health
PCN inducts 85 foreign-trained pharmacists
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria on Monday inducted 85 foreign-trained Nigerian pharmacists into the profession, charging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and patient care as they begin their practice in the country.
The induction took place during the oath-taking and induction ceremony for participants in the first cycle of the 2026 Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme held in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed, described the induction as more than a ceremonial event, saying it marked the beginning of a new professional journey built on knowledge, experience and a shared commitment to quality healthcare.
“I welcome you all to this important and memorable occasion of the induction of foreign pharmacists. Today marks not only a ceremonial event but also the beginning of a new professional era that brings together knowledge, experience, and a shared commitment to quality healthcare,” Ahmed said.
The PCN Registrar commended the inductees for choosing to return and practise in Nigeria after receiving their pharmacy education abroad.
“Your decision to join this profession in a new environment—Nigeria—reflects courage, dedication, and a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical healthcare,” he said.
Ahmed noted that the Council values the expertise, diversity and international perspectives the pharmacists bring, expressing confidence that they would strengthen collaboration within the profession and promote the highest standards of pharmacy practice.
“We value the expertise, diversity, and global perspective you bring, and we are confident that your presence will enrich our institutions, strengthen collaboration, and promote the highest standards of pharmacy practice,” he said.
He reminded the newly inducted pharmacists that pharmacy is a noble profession requiring integrity, precision, compassion and continuous learning, urging them to familiarise themselves with Nigeria’s professional standards and ethical responsibilities.
Ahmed also assured the pharmacists of the Council’s support as they integrate into the country’s healthcare system.
“Let this induction serve as an opportunity to familiarise yourselves with our standards, expectations, and shared responsibilities. We recognise that professional integration is a journey, and we are committed to supporting you as you settle in, adapt, and thrive”, he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, the Esu of Karu and Chairman of the Karu Local Government Traditional Council in Nasarawa State, Pharm. Luka Baba, described the induction as a significant milestone for both the pharmacists and Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“I am profoundly honoured to preside over this occasion… which marks a significant milestone not only in the lives of the inductees but also in the strengthening of our nation’s healthcare system,” Baba said.
He observed that the orientation programme had successfully aligned the pharmacists’ international training with Nigeria’s healthcare needs and regulatory framework.
“This orientation programme has successfully adapted that knowledge to the framework of our local healthcare needs and regulatory requirements,” he said.
Baba urged the newly inducted pharmacists to regard their profession as a calling rather than merely a career.
“As you take your oath today, remember that pharmacy is not just a profession—it is a calling anchored in integrity, precision, and humanity,” he said.
He further reminded them of the ethical responsibility attached to healthcare professions.
“Our work is not merely professional practice; it is also service to God because we are serving humanity,” he said.
Describing pharmacists as a critical link between science and patient care, Baba said Nigeria would benefit immensely from the global exposure and expertise of the newly inducted professionals.
“You are the vital bridge between pharmaceutical science and patient care. Nigeria needs your global exposure, expertise, and dedication now more than ever,” he stated.
He congratulated the 85 inductees and wished them successful careers dedicated to serving humanity.
The Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme is designed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to prepare Nigerian pharmacists who obtained their qualifications outside the country for professional practice within Nigeria.
The programme familiarises participants with the nation’s pharmacy laws, ethical standards, healthcare policies and regulatory requirements before they are admitted to the register of pharmacists and licensed to practise.
The induction and oath-taking ceremony marks the final stage of the process, formally admitting successful participants into the profession.
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