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...Says Unizik Is Now 4th Best In Nigeria, 1500th In World Ranking

 By Uzo Ugwunze

The 2021/2022 graduands of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Agulu campus, Anambra State, have been tasked with the need for professionalism, collaboration among co-pharmacists, and other stakeholders in the health sector to navigate the realities of the time, overcome challenges, and find opportunities towards improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria and globally.

Addressing the 167 new inductees during the occasion of the 12th Induction/Oath-taking ceremony held at Juhel Auditorium, NAU Agulu campus, the Vice-Chancellor of NAU, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, ably represented by the Special Adviser to the VC on Academic Matters, Prof. Fredrick C. Odibo, congratulated the graduands on their new status and urged them to embrace the excellence, integrity, and hard work which the ivory tower has recently evolved into.

He stated, "You must reflect the new legacies of discipline, hard work, integrity, and excellence of NAU experienced under the innovative leadership of our visionary VC, Prof Esimone, who has transformed our institution within the shortest possible time. Five years ago, NAU was ranked 36th in Nigeria and 5000th in the world. Today, we are 4th in Nigeria and 1500th in the world Universities ranking. Our VC's target is to achieve number 1 in Nigeria and ensure NAU ranks among the best 200 universities in the world before he bows out by June 2024. Please, as professionals, go out there and make us proud," said Odibo.

According to the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences NAU, Prof. Chibueze Ihekwereme, "In the pharmaceutical profession, we find ourselves in the intersections of healthcare, science, and innovation. We are tasked with safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities." He added, "As you embark on your professional career, keep in mind the significance of collaboration, for it is through working together that we can overcome the most formidable challenges and make the most of the available opportunities. The pharmacy profession is not merely about dispensing medications. It is about collaborating with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the community to build a healthier and more sustainable future."

In his address, the keynote speaker, Pharm Ike Ugwu, CEO Pharmacare Support Group, who spoke on the theme - 'Challenges, Realities, and Opportunities for Young Pharmacist Graduates: The Role of Collaboration,' encouraged the graduands to acquire more knowledge and skills, stating that despite the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world, of which Nigerian society is worst hit, with collaboration and determination, one can build a successful career as a pharmacist anywhere in the world.

Pharm Ugwu recommended 21 skills and abilities that will pay any professional while solving the litany of problems replete in both the health and other sectors of our society.

Inducting the graduands into the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Registrar Pharm Ibrahim B. Ahmed, who was represented by Pharm Dr. Tony Idoko (Director of Education PCN), advised them to uphold the Codes of professional Ethics in pursuit of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program to ensure proficiency and the continued relevance of pharmacists in the healthcare team. He further warned them about the possibility of revoking one's license if found guilty of gross professional misconduct.

The Chairman of the ceremony, Chief Oliver Ezeobi Ezemunachim, CEO Paragon Pharmacy, challenged the graduands not to rush out of Nigeria in search of greener pastures but to stay back like him to better the healthcare issues facing the country. He stated that with innovations and new ideas, one could make an impact in society and still make money solving healthcare problems in Nigeria.

In their separate speeches, dignitaries like Anambra State Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Josephat Obasi, CEO Pax Pharmaceuticals, Pharm Uche Akpakama, CEO Juhel Pharmaceuticals, Chief Dr. Eric Okoye, Royal father of the day, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor of Agulu, The Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa, Barr. Sir Felix Uzor, Chief Sir Boniface Onwuka, Oba PG Emeritus, Rev Chris Emelie, Nze Ifeanyi Onwupenata, who graced the occasion, prayed to the good Lord to bless the graduands as they pursue their careers in life.

Highlights of the event include the induction/Oath-taking by the graduands, Awards and cash reward presentations to deserving dignitaries and best graduating pharmaceutical students, Valedictory Speech by Pharm. Chinenye Ezinne Anieto, who emerged the overall Best Graduating NAU Pharmaceutical Sciences Student 2021/2022, pictures, and cutting of cakes by individual graduands.

The overall Best Graduand, Pharm. Mrs. Ezinne Anieto, after thanking God, her family members, lecturers, and fellow students, said that her emergence was a result of the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to studies with the help of God. Another newly inducted graduand, Pharm. Chinecherem Flora Uzor, was thankful to God and her parents Chief Sir and Mrs. Felix Uzor for standing by her and sponsoring her choice education career. She pledged to uphold the ethics of the pharmaceutical profession while contributing her intellectual quota to humanity, just like the likes of Late Dora Akunyili.