Ahmadu Bello University, ABU Pharmacy Programme Review

Ahmadu Bello University Logo

Ahmadu Bello University is also known as ABU. It is a federal government research university in Zaria, Kaduna state of Nigeria. It was founded on October 4, 1962, as the university of Northern Nigeria. The university operates two campuses. They are Samaru which is the main campus and Kongo in Zaria. The school in Funtua houses their Basic and Remedial programme which is some kilometres away from the main campus. The Samaru campus houses the administrative offices and the faculties of physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, arts and languages, education, environmental design, engineering, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, and research faculties. On the other hand, the Kongo campus hosts the faculty of law and administration. Additionally, the university is responsible for other institutions and programme at other locations.
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Its present name is named after the Sarduna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first premier of Northern Nigeria. The Ahmadu Bello University teaching hospital is one of the largest in Nigeria and Africa. It is located at Samaru next to Kampagi hill in Kaduna state. The university is the biggest in Nigeria in terms of land mass. It started operation with four faculties comprising of fifteen departments. Its first vice chancellor is a British New Zealand born Alexander from 1962 through 1966. The birth of the Basic programme was due to the inadequacy in secondary school training common in the northern part of Nigeria which was started in 1968/69. The university has nurtured two new institutions viz: Bayern university, Kano and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of technology, Bauchi.

Philosophy

To produce educated persons and well-trained professionals that will be able to provide relevant pharmaceutical services to the public.
Ahmadu Bello University Undergraduate Pharmacy Programme
The initial training at the school of pharmacy in Zaria started around 1947. They train dispensers (dispenser course) and much later in 1961 it was upgraded to the Chemist and druggist diploma. This was the first requirement for registration as a pharmacist by the former Pharmacist Board of Nigeria (P.B.N). The minimum entry requirement for the diploma was the Nigeria college of art and science and technology (N.C.A.S.T) certificate, Ibadan. However, the candidate with credits in relevant science subjects in General Certificate Examination (G.C.E), O'Level were admitted for a five years course. At the end of the course, successful candidates were awarded two diplomas viz: the professional diploma of the PBN (the Chemist and druggist diploma) and the Pharmaceutical Chemist diploma of the Pharmacy school, Zaria).
The three years pharmacy degree programme was started in 1968 in the department of pharmacy and pharmacology, faculty of science, ABU, Zaria. However, the first set of students were admitted in 1970 and they graduated in 1973 with a B.Sc degree in pharmacy. The pharmacy then comprise of two sections which are:
1. Pharmaceutics and Pharmacognosy
2. Pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry
The department of pharmacy and pharmacology became the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences in 1982 consist of four departments and awarding the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree. These are:
1. Pharmacology and clinical pharmacy
2. Pharmaceutical microbiology and pharmaceutics
3. Pharmacognosy and drug development
4. Pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmaceutical
The year 2008 saw the creation of one more department known as clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice out of department of pharmacology and clinical pharmacy.

Mode Of Entry

There is three (3) mode of entry to study pharmacy in Abu. They are:
1. Joint Admission And Matriculation (J.A.M.B) Unitary Tertiary Matriculation Examination (U.T.M.E) with an approved screening exercise by Abu
2. Remedial/Pre-degree
3. Direct Entry/Basic (Interim Joint Matriculation Examination, I.J.M.B)
Let us look at each.

JAMB(UTME)/Post UTME

ABU require that candidate should score above 180 in their UTME. They accept two sitting for O'Level with five credit in English language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. ABU does not allow candidates who took them as the second choice. Last year, more than 3465 candidates wrote their post UTME. Post UTME form goes for N2000. The screening slip with a passport that is clear on it and UTME result slip is all that is required to sit for the screening exercise. Only JAMB calculator is accepted into the venue as the screening is JAMB computer-based test model.
The questions are from four subjects from your JAMB subjects. That is Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each subject carried 15 questions each under 40 minutes. The questions are a bit more technical than that of JAMB UTME.

Remedial/Pre-degree

This school was established in 2003. Combined with the school of the basic programme, it is called the school of Basic and Remedial Studies (S.B.R.S), Funtua. Classes are organised and called JAMB clinic.
Entry requirements for this programme require at least three (3) O'Level credit and two (2) pass in the five relevant subjects (Mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry, biology) in West African Examination Council (W.A.E.C) or National Examination Council (N.E.C.O). Although the programme was designed for candidates from the nineteen Northern states including federal capital territory (F.C.T), candidates from other states are considered.
The programme runs for a period of nine to twelve months. It comprises of classes for all students and special classes for students with deficiencies in their O'Level result. The programme is divided into two semesters each ending with an examination. The classes expose the students to intensive lectures from Mondays through Thursday. Fridays are a reserve for weekly continuous assessment (C.A) test.
The subjects for pharmacy students are the five science subjects. Admission into year one requires a cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A) of 2.0 and above from three subjects, choose ABU as the first choice of study in JAMB and scored above 180 in JAMB.
The sales of form go for about N5000 and the school fees are N65400. Candidates are given accommodation within Funtua campus as the accommodation fees are part of the school fees. Successful candidates gain admission to study pharmacy in year one.

Direct Entry/Basic(IJMB)

ABU accepts candidates into year two of its programme with relevant results in Advance level programmes or first degree from a recognised institution with an accepted course of study. A level programme accepted include Cambridge, IJMB. Unfortunately, they do not accept Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (J.U.P.E.B) result. They also have the programme for IJMB.
The entry requirement into IJMB programme in ABU includes at least five O'Level credit in Mathematics, English language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Could be in two sitting. Catchment area includes the nineteen Northern states with FCT. Others are that ABU must be the candidates first choice of study.
A pre-admission test screen capable candidates into the programme. Other requirements are biodata screening and academic qualifications screening.
The programme run through a period of nine to twelve months divided into two semesters ending with an examination known as mock and promotional examination. Lectures and laboratory practicals span from Monday through Thursday. Fridays are a reserve for C.A test every week. Fieldwork sometimes organised for biology class. The result of the mock and promotional examination will be used to assess candidates eligible to register for the final IJMB examination. Candidates must be more than average to scale through to write the final examination. The final IJMB exam takes place around February of every year.
The form is sold for N5000 while the school fees are just N60200. There is accommodation available on the Funtua campus and it is part of the school fees. Candidates must buy JAMB and ABU direct Entry form, choose ABU as the first choice of study and score a very good grade in IJMB. Other acceptable A Level result include A'Level credit in three of these science subjects which are Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics and Zoology/Botany/Biology.
Candidates with a first degree who wish to study pharmacy in ABU must have a good grade not less than a second class degree and from a medical related course. In addition, buy JAMB and ABU direct Entry form and ABU form goes for N2000.

Undergraduate Pharmacy, ABU

The first thing admitted students do is to accept the admission. This is done by paying the acceptance fees. For fresher's (Jambito), the next thing to do is to go to the faculty of pharmacy, get your admission letter. The admission letter can only be given to a student who have done all the manual and online screening process. This involve submitting credentials and academic documents like WAEC result, JAMB admission letter, Birth certificate, Local Government of Origin certificate, new scratch card for O'Level result, etc. Fill four MLS forms submitted to the department (faculty office), faculty (dean office), and to senate. The last copy remains with the student. The admission letter is taken to the departmental registration officer who provide the student with a Matriculation number. The number is written on the admission letter. A few days later, the student school portal will be updated. The school fees is N44500 which also includes the acceptance fee. Subsequent years, the school fees drop down to N27000.

School Accommodation

Just like it is in the other government-owned University, ABU hostel accommodation is not enough to cater for the population of the students. So, therefore, early registration increase the chances of securing an accommodation. Students cannot apply for a bed space without paying of school fees and registration of courses. The student applies for an accommodation. Accepted students can now pay the sum of N7090 within 48 hours of approval. Each student got two chance yearly for accommodation slot. Failure to pay within the stipulated time will lead to a ban on the student from seeking accommodation for that year.
There are 15 halls of residence in ABU accommodating about 12000 students. They are;
Kongo Campus
1. Tafawa hall (male hall)
2. Ali Akilu hall ( male)
3. Sarduna/Bedda hall (female)
4. Hostels I, II and IV (female)
Main Campus
5. Ribadu/Alex (female)
6. Anima (female)
7. Dan Fodio (male)
8. Iziga Talent (male)
9. Kumar Suleiman (male)
10. Aliyu Mustafa (male medical students)
11. Shika (male medical student)
12. Asmau Mustafa (female medical student)
13. Shika (female medical student)

Off-Campus

Accommodation off Campus comprises of varieties. Single rooms looking so wretched in pictures cost between N30000 to 45000. Self contains goes for about N150000 to about N220000 if furnished but stand at about N50000 to N100000 if not furnished. Rooms in flats ranged between the price of self contain. Best sitter also cost about N50000 to N100000.
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Post Graduate School In ABU

ABU postgraduate school was established in 1980 to enable the University to achieve a higher degree of emphasis and coordination in its postgraduate training and research. The school was also charged with the responsibility of assisting departments to improve training programmes to provide qualified manpower for the University, other Universities, private sector, institutions of higher learning, public corporations and parastatals, federal and state governments. Recently, The Ahmadu Bello University along with the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria Nsukka has been charged with the responsibility of producing the needed manpower for other tertiary Institutions hence they should place more emphasis on postgraduate studies.
According to Statute 21 which established the Postgraduate School, the functions of the Postgraduate School shall be:
•Responsible for the coordination of postgraduate programmes of the University including planning, coordination, administration and admission to programmes of study:
•To recommend on the provision of appropriate facilities for postgraduate work and to regulate the disbursement of funds allocated for postgraduate work:
•The regulation and enhancement of the quality of postgraduate instruction and research in the University. This shall include educational and contact within Nigeria and where necessary outside:
•Promotion of publication of results of postgraduate studies:
•To monitor and evaluate the progress of work and to report to Senate at least once a year:
•To publicize the postgraduate activities of the University with a view to attracting enrolments and financial support from governmental, industrial and other bodies for the extension of these activities.
University postgraduate (PG) policy spells out the guidelines for staff and student engagement in postgraduate activities in the Ahmadu Bello University. The PG policy envisages that each student would accomplish his/her studies within the stipulated duration of the corresponding study. Specifically, the terms of the policy are to define roles and duties of PG students, staff, Department and the Postgraduate School in the conduct of postgraduate studies in the University.
Pharmacy Post Graduate Programme In ABU
The PG form goes for N10000 irrespective of the programme either PGD or masters. The process is similar to undergraduate regular. The only difference is that the required documents may vary slightly. For example, O'Level requirement remains the same. However, documents and credentials such as National Youth Service Corps (N.Y.S.C) discharge certificate or exemption letter will be required. Also, the first-degree transcript. For international students, some foreign documents such as the international passport or Economic Community Of West Africa States (E.C.O.W.A.S) travel certificate, valid visa-STR (Subject To Regulation), Residence permits, etc. will be required.
No entrance examination for PG pharmaceutical science. The minimum entry requirement is a second class lower division for its PGD programme and 60% weighted average for those going for PhD.
Payment of acceptance fee is the first step in the whole process and it cost about N50000. Other fees include:
Registration (N25000)
Tuition fee for PGD (N15000)
Tuition fee for science (N25000)
Development levy (N100000)
Health, computer, examination and sport fee (N120000)
International service (N3000)
Oral examination fee for PGD (N10000)
Oral examination fee for master science (N15000)
Alumni dues, yearbook (N20000)
Graduation fees for PGD (N20000)
Graduation fee for masters science (N30000)
An average master science student pays N510000 as school fees while PGD pays about N405000 in the each year.
Year three and four have some new form of payments which are;
Master of science (N205000)
PGD (N152000)
Fourth semester
PGD (N152000)
Master of science (N177500)
International Students
PGD ($4500)
Master of Science ($5950)

Accommodation

There is accommodation for PG students which is paid separately from their school fees. I could not lay my hands on the cost of accommodation for their PG students as well as which if the halls are designed for them.
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