The Federal Government has pledged to provide favourable working conditions for healthcare professionals to stem the tide of migration to Western countries in search of greener pastures.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, gave the assurance at the induction of 107 participants in this year’s Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme (FPGOP) of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) in Abuja.
Pate, who described the ongoing brain drain in the sector as a “mindset challenge,” said the government is improving training facilities for pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and other health programmes by allocating more funds to 18 universities across the country.
The intervention, he explained, would help expand infrastructure, strengthen training, and double the institutions’ current capacity to produce more professionals for the health system.
“The healthcare landscape in Nigeria is evolving rapidly, and pharmacists are at the heart of that transformation. Their role is critical in bridging access gaps, combating counterfeit drugs, and promoting rational drug use across communities,” he said.
Represented by the Director of Food and Drugs Services at the Ministry, Olubunmi Aribeana, the minister charged the new pharmacists to uphold ethics, respect human dignity, and prioritise patients’ well-being.
“You are not just dispensers of medicine; you are educators, advocates, and guardians of safe and effective therapy. As you take your oath, it is a promise to uphold ethics and never stop learning,” he stated.
PCN Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, stressed the importance of continuous professional development, noting that the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme remains a key requirement for licensure. He added that the FPGOP equips foreign-trained graduates with knowledge of local realities and prepares them for the statutory 12-month internship under licensed pharmacists in accredited centres.
Ahmed cautioned against professional misconduct, saying any erring pharmacist would face investigation and possible disciplinary action, including suspension from practice.
Also, PCN Board Chair, Wosilat Giwa, urged the inductees to uphold the high ethical standards of the profession and make discipline their watchword.
