Newly inducted pharmacy graduates of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), have been urged to uphold professional ethics, embrace innovation and contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The charge was given by the Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Ibrahim Babashehu, during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 115 Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) graduates of the university’s College of Pharmacy.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ado Ekiti, Babashehu encouraged the new pharmacists to pursue excellence throughout their careers and uphold the highest ethical standards in the practice of the profession.
He said pharmacists have an important role to play in advancing sustainable healthcare and urged the inductees to demonstrate leadership, professionalism and commitment to quality pharmaceutical services.
A total of 35 of the graduates earned First Class honours.
The event also featured a lecture by the Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, who called on healthcare professionals to explore the medicinal resources available within their local environments.
Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Pharmacy Practice in the 21st Century: Integrating Digital Innovation, One Health and Indigenous Knowledge Towards Global Medicine Security,” Emeje stressed the need for greater investment in natural and indigenous medicine.
He noted that digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and tele-pharmacy are increasingly shaping modern pharmacy practice, but cautioned that technology should support professional judgement rather than replace it.
Emeje also advocated the integration of scientifically validated traditional medicine into healthcare delivery, arguing that local drug production and indigenous knowledge could strengthen Nigeria’s health system, create jobs and reduce dependence on imported medicines.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, urged the newly inducted pharmacists to build their careers on integrity, commitment and service to humanity.
She reminded them that patient wellbeing should remain at the centre of their professional responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Pharmacy, Prof. Mbang Femi-Oyewo, advised the graduates to pursue competence, maintain their integrity, practise with empathy and remain open to innovation as they begin their professional journeys.
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