In an era where globalization has transformed education into a vast, international venture, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has issued a critical advisory for students aspiring for higher education abroad, particularly in the field of Pharmacy. During a momentous occasion at the induction/convocation ceremony of Certified Pharmacy Technicians and Public Health Technicians of Mercy College of Health Sciences and Technology in Iwara, the message from the PCN was clear: students must tread cautiously when selecting their study destinations, especially avoiding institutions in countries that have been flagged by the Federal Government.
Pharm Ibrahim Ahmed, the Registrar of PCN, conveyed this directive with an emphasis on the council’s support for global education, yet underscored the importance of adherence to regulatory standards and quality assurance. Represented by Pharm Adenike Ogunlola, the Southwest coordinator of PCN, Ahmed highlighted the concerning trend of institutions colluding with unapproved foreign entities to facilitate the certification of students in Pharmacy-related programs. Such practices, he warned, not only compromise the integrity of the profession but also risk the accreditation status of the involved Nigerian institutions.
In a decisive move towards modernity and efficiency, Ahmed also announced the transition of the National Pharmacy Council Examinations (NPCE) to a computer-based format, starting from August. This shift not only reflects the council’s commitment to incorporating technological advancements in its operations but also necessitates a recalibration of preparatory programs by educational institutions to align with these new testing modalities.
The advisory from PCN comes against the backdrop of increasing globalization of education, where students frequently seek opportunities in foreign countries to advance their knowledge and skills. While the PCN supports the pursuit of quality education abroad, Ahmed’s message stressed the importance of ensuring that such educational ventures are conducted within the framework of approved and recognized institutions. The council’s concern arises from the observation that some students, driven by the allure of foreign degrees, inadvertently enroll in institutions in countries like Cotonou, Togo, and Cameroon, which may not meet the rigorous standards set by the PCN.
To safeguard the interests of students and uphold the standards of pharmacy education, Ahmed advised prospective students to rigorously verify the accreditation status of foreign institutions with the PCN before committing to any program. This due diligence, he argued, is crucial to ensuring that the time and resources invested in foreign education yield valid and recognized qualifications, thereby protecting students from the pitfalls of unrecognized degrees and ensuring their competencies meet the professional standards required in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the advice to avoid certain countries for study underscores a broader concern regarding the quality of education and its alignment with Nigerian regulatory standards. Ahmed’s blunt warning about the potential waste of resources in pursuing education in these flagged countries serves as a sobering reminder to students and their guardians about the need for informed decision-making in their educational pursuits.
Prof Ajibade Lawal, the Chairman of the induction ceremony and Vice-Chancellor of Mercy University, further amplified the message by urging graduates to view their newly acquired qualifications not as an endpoint but as a stepping stone in their lifelong learning journey. His remarks resonate with the ethos of continuous professional development, a cornerstone in the practice of pharmacy and healthcare professions at large.
The PCN’s guidance reflects a confluence of concerns and aspirations: the ambition to foster a globally competitive workforce in pharmacy and healthcare, tempered by the realities of varying educational standards across the globe. It embodies a proactive stance by the regulatory body to navigate the complexities of global education while safeguarding the quality and integrity of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria. As students heed this advice, the trajectory of pharmacy education and practice in Nigeria is poised to be shaped not only by international influences but by a steadfast commitment to standards, quality, and regulatory compliance.
