The University of Jos on Tuesday inducted 44 newly graduated Pharmacists and called on them to stay and practice in Nigeria to increase the pharmacists' ratio per population.
Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, the university’s Vice Chancellor, in an address at the ceremony, urged the new medical practitioners to work toward improving the nation's health care system.
“We are delighted to induct 44 of you into the pharmacy profession; we are happy that you are qualified, able and trusted pharmacists and we are optimistic that you will positively affect the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria and around the world.
“As qualified pharmacists, we expect you to stay and practice in Nigeria; the nation needs your contributions in its healthcare delivery.’’
Mafuyai expressed satisfaction that the new pharmacists had been properly equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to effectively tackle the challenges of pharmacy practice.
He urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the university by maintaining high standard of professionalism, ethics and dedication to duty in their practice.
The vice chancellor commended both the lecturers and parents for their unique roles in moulding the lives of the graduands into qualified pharmacists.
Mrs Gloria Abumere, the Acting Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), who inducted the graduands, in a brief remark, said that the new professionals had increased the number of available hands for pharmaceutical practise.
“It is also hoped that you will go out there to halt the declining trend in the healthcare indices of our dear country.
?“I enjoin you to be good team players with other healthcare professionals in the best interest and benefit of the patients and the society at large.''
Abumere advised them to take specific actions and responsibilities to achieve what society required of them, and cautioned against waiting for any perfect time as there was never such a time.
“Again, I want to remind you that Pharmacy, like any other human endeavour, is dynamic and you must continue to update your knowledge.''
“There is the need to be up to date with current International best practices as high skilled professionals through the Continuing Professional Development (CPD).’’ (NAN)