PCN Inducts 27 Pioneer Pharmacists At Kaduna State University (KSU)

PCN Inducts 27 Pioneer Pharmacists At Kaduna State University (KSU)- Pharm. Kenneth Bitrus David Emerges Overall Best Graduating Student- written by The Editor-in-chief: Augustine Samson

The historic event which took place at the 1,000 Capacity hall of the Kaduna State University on was graced by the presence of the family and friends of the graduands, principal officers and other staff of the university, delegates of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria led by the registrar of the council, Pharm. Elijah Mohammad, and other invited guests from all walks of life. The pre-induction lecture was done by the renowned Professor of Pharmaceutics - Prof. Martins Emeje who spoke on the topic: ‘Navigating the rigours of Pharmacy education: what does the future hold?

Prof. Martins Emeje, introduced the topic in a very captivating but simple manner such that the audience paid rapt attention irrespective of their discipline so as to maximally benefit from all that he was to speak on. He congratulated the graduands on coming thus far in their career path and enjoined them to put up the good behaviours that Pharmacists have been known for. The graduands were also encouraged to be innovative and be agents of solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by the pharmaceutical sector.  He said: “There has been a continuous growth in automated dispensing systems, computerized prescriber order entry, bar coded medication administration, smart pumps, e-prescribing, robotic sterile preparations and enhancement of systems. The Practice of Pharmacy in Nigeria will be influenced by new types of treatments changing healthcare dynamics, including: Complex biologics, big data, smart technology, personalized Medicine, focus on ambulatory care, nanomedicines, and biomonitors, hence the need for the new graduands to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills that will enable them to navigate through the rigours of life”.
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In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora who was the Foundation Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Kaduna State University (FPS, KASU) as well as a former Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) congratulated the graduands for putting up their best behaviors and walked down memory lane to give a brief history of the Faculty and the series of events (including successes and challenges encountered)that birthed the eight-star pharmacists being inducted during the maiden oath-taking/induction ceremony of the faculty.

The Dean of the faculty, Prof. Ben Chindo, described the maiden oath taking of the graduates as ‘milestone’ on the lives of the 27 pharmacists, the faculty, the university and the state.

He said that the faculty scored 100 per cent in course content during accreditation by the National University Commission (NUC), which along with dedicated academics and other staff made the day possible.

“With the profession’s quality benchmark, these graduates had to work a great deal to meet our expectations, that of NUC and PCN.

“I thank the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Muhammad Tanko, for the overwhelming support to the faculty and ensuring not less than accepted standard and quality,” he said.

The vice chancellor also congratulated the pharmacists for working hard to realize their dreams.

According to him, the university will continue to provide the needed learning environment and facilities to ensure quality learning outcomes and produce the needed manpower socio-economic development.

Tanko thanked Gov. Nasir El-Rufai for the needed support to the university with a view to making it one of the best in the country.

L-R: Prof Ahmad Tijjani Mora (Foundation Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University), Pharm. Elijah Mohammed (PCN Registrar), Pharm. Kenneth Bitrus David (Overall best Graduating student and best graduating student of the pioneer set), Pharm. Humphery Stephen Sarki (Best graduating student, second set), Prof. Ben A. Chindo (Current Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University)

PCN’s Registrar, Pharm Elijah Mohammed, at the maiden Induction and Oath-taking Ceremony of the 27 graduates, congratulated the pharmacists for completing the first phase of their training, he said:

“You have completed the first set of your training as professionals and now fit to compete with other colleagues in the field and render selfless service to humanity.

“The second phase of the training commences with the one-year Statutory Internship Training programme that is compulsory for all pharmacists in the country, including those trained abroad without evidence of license.

 “I, therefore, enjoin you to take the one-year internship programme very seriously being the only gateway to being certified as a professional pharmacist and continue to update skills and knowledge,” he said.

Mohammed said that the PCN was aware of the challenges posed by the dynamics of practice of the profession, technological advancement, increasing disease burden, adverse drug reactions, interactions and resistance.

He said that to address this, PCN has institutionalized continuing professional development programme to ensure continued relevance of pharmacists in the health sector.

“You need to note that pharmacist’s competency is not only about knowledge and skills, but include critical thinking and decision making, innovation, social interaction and inter-professional relationships.

“As pharmacists, you are expected to get yourself acquainted with the Code of Professional Ethics, which prescribed your professional and moral responsibilities to patients, colleagues, other professionals and the general public,” he further advised them.

According to him, the council frowns at professional misconduct in its entirety, adding that strict compliance to the code of ethics is indispensable to the practice of the profession.
Read Also: List of internship centers

Five of the inductees graduated with a First Class CGPA comprising of 3 from the pioneer set and 2 inductees from the second set. They are:

Pioneer set:

Kenneth Bitrus David – 4.68/5.00

Godwin Bitrus Gajere – 4.53/5.00

Fareedah Lami Abdulkadir – 4.52/5.00

Second Set:

Humphery Stephen Sarki – 4.51/5.00

Tisan James Gugong – 4.50/5.00 

Kenneth Bitrus David emerged the overall best graduating student during the Maiden Induction ceremony of FPS, KASU bagging many awards and honors to his name.

Overall best graduating student (Pharm. Kenneth Bitrus David) speaking to newsmen

Some of the awards given to deserving graduands included Prof. J. O. Onaolapo’s prize to the best graduating student in Pharmaceutical Microbiology and biotechnology, Prof. Hajara Ibrahim prize to the best graduating student in Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, and the PCN prize to the best graduating student.

 Mr. Mahadi, CEO Dialogue Pharmacy and stores Kaduna presented a Bank draft of NGN 150,000 (one hundred and fifty thousand Naira) to the four (4) male inductees with a First class CGPA and NGN 250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) to Pharm. Fareedah Lami Abdulkadir. He also gave all the 27 inductees a brand new e-pad (11.6” 2-in-1epad tablet) as a gift for thriving through the challenges of Pharmacy school and graduating as victors. Mr. Mahadi named the annual award- BMY Award- after three prominent Pharmacists in the North- Alhaji Budah, Prof Ahmed Tijjani Mora, and Pharm. Yero. This award was set to continue through subsequent induction ceremonies in the University (Kaduna State University).

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