By Esther Onyegbula

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, has called on the Federal and State Governments to prioritise sustained and strategic investment in pharmaceutical education, warning that Nigeria’s quest for healthcare self-sufficiency and national security may remain unattainable without deliberate reforms in the sector.

This formed the high point of deliberations at the 2026 Pharmacy Colloquium held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yola, Adamawa State, where stakeholders stressed that a modern, well-funded and forward-looking pharmaceutical education system is critical to achieving the country’s healthcare goals.

Declaring the colloquium open, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, announced government approval for the establishment of a College of Pharmacy at Adamawa State University, Mubi.

The announcement, which drew commendation from participants, was described as a benchmark for other states to emulate in strengthening pharmaceutical training and capacity development.
Speaking, President and Chairman of Council of PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, said pharmacy education must be repositioned as a strategic national investment rather than a purely academic pursuit.

He noted that advancing the transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D, programme and strengthening institutions such as the National Postgraduate College of Pharmacy would help produce a highly skilled workforce and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines.

Ibrahim also called for improved infrastructure to support the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, SIWES, and internship programmes, alongside the protection and expansion of the Consultant Pharmacist cadre to address the growing brain drain in the sector.

In his keynote address, former PSN President, Prof. Cyril Odianose Usifoh, identified a disconnect between academic qualifications and healthcare outcomes, advocating a shift to competency-based training that emphasises innovation, critical thinking and patient-centred care.
He further urged the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital health systems, into pharmacy education to align Nigeria with global best practices.

Stakeholders also emphasised the need for government investment in infrastructure to standardise and commercialise Nigeria’s biodiversity in phytomedicine, noting that indigenous medicinal plants could serve as viable therapeutic options and drivers of economic growth.
Speaking on regulatory frameworks, former PSN President, Pharm. Ahmed I. Yakasai, said the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022 has strengthened accountability and oversight within the profession, while ensuring effective utilisation of public resources to safeguard public health.

The colloquium attracted key government officials, including the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley; Head of Service, Pharm. Isa Shehu Ardo; Commissioner for Health, Felix Tangwami; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharm. Zinra Bubanani.

Proceedings were moderated by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pharmaceutical Matters, Hon. Pharm. Mrs. Nneka Cecilia Okwuma.

Also in attendance were members of the PSN College of Past Presidents, including Pharm. Mohammad Yaro Budah, who chaired the opening ceremony; Pharm. U.N.O. Uwaga; Pharm. Azubuike Okwor; Pharm. Olumide Akintayo; and Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai.
Chairman of the PSN Board of Trustees, Pharm. Jimi Agbaje, alongside other experts and international resource persons, contributed to technical sessions at the event.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Colloquium Steering Committee, Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, said the gathering provided a platform for robust engagement on the future of pharmacy practice in Nigeria, while National Secretary of the Committee, Pharm. Gafar Lanre Madehi, coordinated proceedings.

At the end of the colloquium, participants unanimously stressed that building a globally competitive pharmaceutical sector requires sustained investment in education, research and local drug manufacturing capacity.

They warned that without deliberate funding for specialised training and domestic production, Nigeria’s health security would remain vulnerable.
“The future of pharmacy in Nigeria depends not only on knowledge, but on our collective commitment to reform, collaboration, innovation and leadership,” the communiqué stated.