Academia
NAPA Conference Challenges Pharmacy Academics to Rethink Education in a Changing World
Pharmacy academics have been challenged to rethink teaching, research and professional training as NAPA’s 24th Annual National Scientific Conference in Bayelsa examined how pharmacy education can respond to technological and healthcare changes.
Pharmacy academics have been urged to rethink traditional approaches to teaching and research as technology and changing healthcare demands reshape professional practice.
The call featured prominently at the 24th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), which was held from 17 to 19 August 2026 in Bayelsa State under the theme, “Advancing Pharmaceutical Education and Research for Sustainable Health Systems in a Changing World.”
The hybrid conference was hosted by Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, with the opening ceremony held at Ayallah Hotel, Kpansia, Yenagoa.
The conference was initially scheduled to take place at the university's campus in Amassoma. However, the venue was changed because of the ongoing industrial action at the institution.
NAPA holds national conference in Bayelsa
In her welcome address, Prof Catherine N. Stanley, National Chairman of NAPA, said the conference marked the first time the association's national conference had been hosted in Bayelsa State.
She described the gathering as a conference for the entire state and acknowledged the contributions of professional leaders, academic institutions, sponsors and other stakeholders to the programme.
The opening ceremony brought together senior figures from pharmacy academia and the wider profession, including Pharm Ayuba Tanko, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; Prof Allen A. Agih, Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University; Pharm Ibrahim Baba-Shehu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria; and Prof Gideon Alade, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University.
Also present were other NAPA leaders, academics, students and members of the conference organising committees.
Technology prompts call for change in pharmacy education
A major focus of the conference was the need for pharmacy education to adapt to technological developments and the changing demands of healthcare practice.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof Noel N. Wannang addressed the conference theme, emphasising the role of technology in shaping contemporary approaches to teaching and learning.
Reflecting on the keynote, Dr Moses Bariweni, NAPA National Assistant Secretary, described the conference as a “wake-up call” for pharmacists in academia.
He said continuing to teach students using approaches developed for a different era could leave graduates academically qualified but inadequately prepared for contemporary practice.
“If we continue to teach students the way we were taught years ago, we will raise Pharmacists who are academically qualified but unprepared for today's practice.”
The message places renewed attention on how pharmacy schools can incorporate technological developments, emerging healthcare models and evolving professional competencies into the education of future pharmacists.
Academic leadership and pharmaceutical research take centre stage
The conference also examined the role of academic leadership, mentorship and pharmaceutical research in strengthening pharmacy education.
Prof Raymond I. Ozolua delivered a plenary lecture titled “Transformative Academic Leadership and Mentoring in Pharmacy Education,” focusing attention on leadership and mentorship as components of effective academic development.
Prof Martins O. Emeje also delivered a plenary lecture on “Translational Pharmaceutical Research and Indigenous Knowledge: From Natural Products to Novel Therapeutics.”
The session highlighted the importance of translating pharmaceutical research into practical health solutions while exploring the potential contribution of indigenous knowledge and natural products to the development of novel therapeutics.
Academics urged to strengthen critical evaluation of medicines
The conference also featured a call for pharmacists in academia to take a more active role in the critical evaluation of pharmaceutical products.
Dr Bonsome Bokolo, Special Guest of Honour, urged pharmacists in academia to assume the responsibility of pharmaceutical critics and train students capable of critically evaluating pharmaceutical products.
The call emphasised the role of pharmacy education in developing professionals who can scrutinise medicines and contribute to efforts to address poor-quality pharmaceutical products.
Such critical appraisal skills are relevant across the pharmaceutical sector, from medicine development and research to procurement, regulation and patient care.
Students engage with discussions on the profession's future
Students were also part of the conference, providing an opportunity for future pharmacists to engage with discussions on contemporary pharmacy education and professional practice.
Somkume Smart, a 400-level student of Niger Delta University who attended the conference, described the programme as excellent and said she gained significant value from the experience.
The opening ceremony also featured a cultural dance presentation by Theatre Arts students from the Faculty of Arts, Niger Delta University, showcasing aspects of the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people of Bayelsa State.
Why the conference matters
The discussions at NAPA's 24th Annual National Scientific Conference reflect a wider question facing pharmacy education in Nigeria: how can academic training keep pace with changes in technology, healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical research?
For pharmacy schools, the challenge extends beyond updating course content. It also involves developing graduates who can adapt to technological change, critically evaluate pharmaceutical products, engage in meaningful research and apply scientific knowledge to emerging healthcare challenges.
NAPA's emphasis on technology, academic leadership, mentorship, translational research and critical evaluation of medicines therefore places the future of pharmacy education within the broader context of a rapidly changing healthcare system.
The conference's central message was clear: preparing pharmacists for the future requires pharmacy academia to continually reassess how it teaches, conducts research and develops the next generation of professionals.