Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has inducted 51 graduates of the 2023/2024 academic session from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences into the pharmacy profession, with a call on them to embrace innovation, advanced logistics and technology to improve access to medicines.

SolaceBase reports that he induction and oath-taking ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), was held on Tuesday at the Mahmud Tukur Theatre, Old Campus of the university.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Prof. Amina Mustapha, described the occasion as a defining milestone in the professional journey of the graduands.

She said by taking the oath of practice, the new pharmacists formally accepted the noble responsibilities, ethical standards and lifelong commitment that define the pharmacy profession, congratulating them on the successful completion of their academic and experiential training.

According to her, the theme of the ceremony, Innovating Access to Medicines: The Role of Advanced Logistics and Technology in Modern Pharmacy Practice, is timely, noting that access to safe, effective and affordable medicines remains a global challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

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She explained that modern pharmacy practice is being reshaped by digital health systems, automation, data analytics, artificial intelligence and technology-enabled supply chains, which enhance transparency, reduce medicine shortages, curb counterfeit drugs and strengthen pharmacovigilance.

She added that Bayero University remained committed to producing graduates who are professionally competent, socially responsive and globally competitive, stressing that the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences continues to strengthen its curriculum, research capacity and partnerships with regulatory agencies and industry players.

Also speaking, a representative of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Bisi Obisesan, in charge of the North-West Zonal Office, congratulated the graduands, describing the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences as one of the most demanding academic programmes.

She said having gone through the rigours of pharmaceutical training herself over two decades ago, she understood the level of discipline, resilience and sacrifice required to graduate from the faculty.

“Pharmaceutical Sciences is not an easy course. I was there myself over twenty years ago, and I know the stress involved. Anyone who graduates from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences has truly done well,” she said.

Pharm. Obisesan urged the new pharmacists to strictly adhere to the oath they had taken, stressing that the health of patients and the general public must remain their top priority.

She added that pharmacists are expected to treat patients with utmost respect and dignity while discharging their professional duties with integrity and professionalism.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Bashir Chedi, described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the history of pharmacy education in Nigeria, noting that the faculty was the first in the country to graduate students under the PharmD programme.

He said the achievement reflected the dedication of the academic and non-academic staff, the resilience of the students and the support of the university management and host community.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Pharm. Aminu Abashir, congratulated the graduands, their parents and the university community, describing the induction as a boost to the state’s healthcare workforce.

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He said the 51 newly inducted pharmacists would serve as additional human resources for health, critical to improving healthcare delivery across Kano State.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Maryam Yusuf expressed gratitude to the university management, faculty members and parents for their support throughout the demanding training.

She described the journey as challenging but rewarding, noting that the students had been equipped with academic knowledge, professional ethics and practical skills needed to serve society.

Maryam assured that the new pharmacists were ready to uphold the values of the profession, apply innovation responsibly and contribute meaningfully to improving access to quality healthcare.

The ceremony featured the administration of the oath of practice to the 51 graduates and goodwill messages from stakeholders in the pharmacy profession.