The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called for a complete review of the nation’s pharmaceutical workforce to ensure it meets international standards. The appeal was made during the opening ceremony of the 98th Annual National Conference of the PSN, tagged DABO 2025, held in Kano.
Speaking at the event, PSN President Ayuba Tanko reaffirmed the Society’s opposition to the training of “Pharmacy Technologists,” stressing that only Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians are recognised in global best practices. He commended the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and the Ministry of Education for reinforcing this position through an August 28, 2025, circular that officially prohibits the training of Pharmacy Technologists in Nigeria.
On the regulation of veterinary drugs, Tanko highlighted a significant legal victory for the PSN and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) at the Federal High Court in Calabar, which confirmed PCN’s authority to regulate the sale, dispensing, and custody of veterinary drugs in the country.
He also noted progress in welfare negotiations for public sector pharmacists under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), including arrears payments, improved allowances, and the approval of a 70-year retirement age for Consultant Pharmacists, bringing them in line with their medical counterparts.
Looking ahead, Tanko emphasised the need for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) to become the minimum entry qualification for practice in Nigeria. He advocated for stronger integration between postgraduate Ph.D. programmes and Fellowship training to produce a highly skilled, versatile workforce. The PSN President also reiterated the Society’s commitment to establishing a National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy to complement the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists.
He urged universities and regulatory bodies to enforce strict compliance with the new professional education framework, noting that the shift to the Pharm.D model would equip future pharmacists with the clinical, research, and leadership skills needed in a fast-evolving healthcare sector. Tanko called on the government to provide adequate funding and infrastructure to pharmacy faculties to support the transition.
Reflecting on the Society’s achievements over the 2024/2025 seasons, he outlined plans to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical workforce and encouraged all conference participants to embrace learning, networking, and collaboration during the five-day event.
Beyond the scientific sessions, Tanko encouraged attendees to engage in social activities, sports, and excursions, describing these as opportunities to foster professional unity and celebrate the growing contributions of pharmacists to national development.
