All About Pharmaceutical Association Of Nigerian Students (P.A.N.S)

PANS logo

If you are a student in a school of pharmacy, you are a member of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (P.A.N.S). This write-up will explain a little of this organisation if you are new to pharmacy school.
Just like every other Departments/Faculty in Nigerian universities with a student body that unites members’ together, PANS is just one of such. It has many roles it plays in pharmacy. However, before we dive into what they do and how the association is run, let us see how it all began.

History Of PANS

PANS was established in the year 1972. It is found in every approved school by the Pharmacists Council Of Nigeria (P.C.N). However, there is a national body of PANS made up of members from various universities in Nigeria. Members generally call themselves 'PANSites. However, there sometimes we jokingly change it to parasites. They hail themselves 'great PANSites.

Goals Of PANS

PANS was established with the sow aim to:

1. Cooperate with other national organisations on a scientific, educational, cultural, and social, the association being non-political
2. To promote and encourage mutual relationships interaction ad healthy rivalry among pharmacy students through the organisation of activities as national convention
3. To promote interest in the study and application of the profession through symposium, seminars, lectures and pharmacy exhibition.
4. Promotion and exchange of ideas by inter-school correspondence and by encouraging full dissemination of scientific and professional knowledge
5. Representing the opinions of Pharmacy students in discussions with government or non-government organisation
6. Encourage member chapter to organise PANS/Congress week
7. Collecting opinions and info on the subject of pharmacy education and by suggesting improvements where necessary with the aim of having unification of and optimal pharmaceutical education.

Executives Of PANS (Local Chapter)

The Executives of PANS are from the pharmacy school itself. Offices range from:

President: Who is elected by the majority of students of pharmacy to rule for a period of one year Depending on the school, he/she must come from the highest level (not compulsory but among the highest level).

Vice President: Most at times is a female and help the president when not around. Also an elective position by students of the department.

Treasurer: Keeps hold of the finance

Financial Secretary: Gives financial report

Public Relation Officer: Informant

Director of Sport: Organised sports activities between different levels within and with other departments

Director of Welfare: Responsible for taking care PANS properties

Etc.

In addition, for a smooth running of the association, there ought to be a matron or patron who must be a lecturer in the faculty.

Read Also: The Structure And Function Of Pharmacists Council Of Nigeria (P.C.N)

To be elected as a member, the student must pass certain criteria. They include the level of study, minimum Cumulative Grade point average, morals etc.

During an election, a post can be unopposed. In such a case there was no other contestant for that post.

Members of PANS

All students of pharmacy are members of PANS. All students are expected to pay a yearly prescribe fee for the smooth running of the organisation. However, the executives are exempted from this payment.

Activities of PANS (local Chapter)

The money realised can go a long way in alleviating some small problems encountered by the students in the faculty. In addition, they are responsible for organising a welcome party for fresh students during PANS week. Other activities lined up during the week may include:

• Rally
• Distribution of pharmacy journals
• Various sports activities like football, scrabble etc.
• Dinner party/night
• Etc.

PANS Election

To be part of PANS executives, each student must check if he/she meets the requirements for his position in that school since it varies from school to school. Such ones must buy the form from the electoral committee sets up by the previous executives at a price set by them.

The form must be filled and returned back before screening date. Successfully screened candidates will be announced and campaign kicks off. Thincludesude banners, words of mouth such as manifesto, etc.

On the day of the election, students cast their votes for the candidates of their choice and winners announce. The excos finally hands over power to the new executives at a date set by the electoral committee. This is followed by inauguration.

PANS (National)

This is the national body of PANS. The executives are also made up of the president, vice president, treasurer etc. that carry out the duties assigned to them. They communicate the grievances of the student community to governmental bodies like P.C.N and Pharmaceutical Society Of Nigeria (P.S.N). The organisational structure is similar to that of local PANS. However, not every pharmacy students in pharmacy school can vote during the national election. This is mainly due to distance constraints to election destination. So, only 'representatives’ attend elections. Winners are announced immediately. The eligibility to contest is similar to that of the local chapter.

Activities of PANS (National)

PANS have a yearly program called PAN National Convention where students come together to perform various activities. It is also known as the National PANS week. I have never attended though. However, from stories, it involves a one week of competition among pharmacy students from various schools with prices attached.

Read Also: The Structure And Function Of Pharmaceutical Society Of Nigeria (P.S.N)

In this program, it is not just playing as invited guest, which are mostly registered pharmacist, give speeches relating to the pharmacy to the audience.

Do you have any idea that is different from mine? Please feel free to share it with us via the comment box or contact me using the contact form.

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