Igbinedion University Okada celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, January 10, 2025, as it inducted a total of 108 new pharmacy graduates from the Professor Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy. The ceremony, held at the university’s main auditorium, marked the 14th Oath-taking and induction event for the 2023/2024 academic session.
In his opening address, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, highlighted the impressive achievements of the pharmacy program since its inception in the 2004/2005 academic year. He proudly announced that the college has produced over 1,400 graduates who are making significant contributions to the field of pharmacy, both locally and internationally.
The highlight of the event was the insightful presentation delivered by the Guest Speaker, Pharm. Kenneth Chinedu Onuegbu, National Chairman of the Association of Industrial Chemists of Nigeria. In his talk titled “The Young Pharmacists of Today: Challenges and Opportunities for Professional Growth,” Onuegbu shed light on the longstanding challenges facing the pharmacy profession. He called on stakeholders to collaborate and foster an enabling environment for both foreign and indigenous pharmaceutical companies to thrive. Furthermore, he urged the newly inducted graduates to remain resilient and committed to achieving success in their careers while upholding the ethical standards of the profession.
Pharm. Ibrahim B. Ahmed, FPSN, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), represented by Pharm. Dr. Anthony Idogo, also addressed the graduates. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and leadership qualities in line with PCN guidelines. He encouraged the new pharmacists to strive for excellence in providing quality pharmaceutical services, essential for sustainable healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The induction ceremony was well-attended by notable guests, including representatives from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the Special Guest of Honor, Dr. Osaretin Davy Enadeghe. Members of the university’s management team were also present to celebrate this momentous occasion.
As the newly inducted pharmacists embark on their professional journey, the event served as a reminder of the vital role they will play in enhancing healthcare services and contributing to the advancement of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.
