KASU AMR Club Hosts Workshop on Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rational Drug Use

The Antimicrobial Resistance Club, Kaduna State University (AMR-KASU), in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Young Pharmacists' Group (PSN-YPG), Kaduna State Chapter, successfully hosted the AMR Workshop 2026 on Monday, 29 June 2026, at the 500-Seater Pharmacy Hall, Kaduna State University. The workshop, themed "Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rational Drug Use," brought together students, pharmacists, academics, and other healthcare professionals to strengthen awareness and advocacy against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world's most pressing public health challenges. Chairing the occasion, the Registrar of Kaduna State University, Barr. Samira Umar Balarabe, Esq., described AMR as a major public health concern. She encouraged students to adopt preventive measures such as proper sanitation, regular hand hygiene, and healthy dietary practices to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and minimise the need for antimicrobial use. Delivering the keynote address, Assoc. Prof. Basira Kankia Lawal, Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Kaduna State University, presented a lecture titled "Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rational Drug Use: A Pharmacist's Perspective." She highlighted the pharmacist's critical role in ensuring the appropriate selection and quality of antibiotics, providing effective patient counselling, and following up with patients to promote adherence to prescribed treatment. She also expressed concern over the increasing use of antibiotics in livestock farming, noting that antibiotic residues in food contribute to antimicrobial resistance. She advocated for a One Health approach, emphasising coordinated action across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Guest speaker, Scientist Bashir Muhammad Adamu, Lecturer in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, delivered a presentation on "The Role of Students in Antimicrobial Advocacy." He encouraged students to become advocates for responsible antimicrobial use and cited the example of a Ugandan university that successfully introduced a weekly AMR bulletin to improve awareness and knowledge among students. The programme also featured an engaging panel discussion on "The Role of Students in Antimicrobial Advocacy," moderated by Vivian Nomgosen Dogo. Panelists included Pharm. Ahmad Umar, Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, Kaduna State University and President of the KASU Pharmacy Alumni Association; Pharm. Emmanuel Abifarin; and Amina Abubakar Nnasakun, who shared practical perspectives on student leadership and advocacy in combating antimicrobial resistance. The workshop concluded with the presentation of awards and certificates in recognition of outstanding leadership, service, and contributions to antimicrobial stewardship and public health advocacy. Recipients included: Distinguished Service Award: Barr. Samira Umar Balarabe, Esq., Registrar, Kaduna State University, as Chairman of the Occasion. Award of Excellence: Assoc. Prof. Basira Kankia Lawal, Head, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Kaduna State University, as Keynote Speaker. Certificate of Appreciation: Scientist Bashir Muhammad Adamu, Lecturer, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, as Guest Speaker. Certificates of Appreciation: Pharm. Ahmad Umar, Pharm. Emmanuel Abifarin, and Amina Abubakar Nnasakun for their contributions as Panelists. Certificates of Appreciation: Prof. Onaolapo Josiah, Provost, College of Allied Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University, and Pharm. Mannir Adam, Head, Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital Makarfi, as Distinguished Guests. Meritorious Service Award: Hassan Kabir Muhammad, President, Antimicrobial Resistance Club, Kaduna State University. Distinguished Leadership Award: Pharm. Salim Nuhu Ali, State Coordinator, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Young Pharmacists' Group (PSN-YPG), Kaduna State Chapter. Delivering the closing remarks, Pharm. Salim Nuhu Ali commended the leadership and members of AMR Club KASU for organising a successful and impactful workshop. He encouraged participants to continue championing antimicrobial stewardship, rational medicine use, and public awareness initiatives within their institutions and communities. The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of AMR-KASU and PSN-YPG Kaduna State Chapter to empowering students and future healthcare professionals to play an active role in combating antimicrobial resistance through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.