…Calls for equitable leadership and policy reform in health, education

By Chioma Obinna

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address what it described as the persistent dominance of physicians in leadership positions across key sectors, particularly health and education.

In a letter to the President dated June 16, 2025, and titled “Call off these bluffs in National Interest”, the association expressed concern over recent developments, including strikes by some medical professionals in academia regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors in universities.

The ACPN argued that such actions contradict established requirements that prioritize academic qualifications, such as holding a Ph.D., for vice-chancellor positions. The association further observed that current trends appear to be supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, led by a physician, and have contributed to the systematic exclusion of other professionals from leadership roles, especially in specialized institutions like medical colleges.

According to the association:

“Strikes have become tools used to undermine statutory regulations in Nigeria’s education sector. This situation is worsened by appointments and policies that seem to favor physicians while sidelining other equally qualified professionals.”

The ACPN also highlighted long-standing practices in Federal Health Institutions (FHIs), where, since 1985, only physicians have been appointed as Chief Medical Directors (CMDs). They believe this has weakened interdisciplinary collaboration and effective management by overlooking the leadership potential of other health professionals.

The association cited challenges in public healthcare delivery, including frequent power outages in hospitals and issues surrounding the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), as examples of what they described as inefficient management structures.

“It is concerning that nearly all of the 73 Federal Health Institutions could not meet their electricity bills in the first quarter of 2025,” the letter stated. “This points to the urgent need for professionally trained hospital administrators, not just physicians, to lead these institutions.”

The ACPN also criticized remuneration structures in the health sector, describing them as disproportionately favoring physicians, especially those in academia, which they argue contributes to low morale among non-physician professionals.

To address these concerns, the ACPN recommended that the Federal Government:

Reform the appointment process for CMDs in Federal Health Institutions to be inclusive of all healthcare professionals.

Ensure transparency and equity in drug procurement and distribution.

Establish a Federal Drug Management Agency to support access to affordable and quality medications.

Promote merit-based leadership in educational institutions.

The association concluded by urging President Tinubu to act decisively to foster inclusive leadership and professional equity, warning that Nigeria’s development could be hindered by what they termed the overconcentration of leadership roles within a single professional group.