Can Young Pharmacists Meet the Demands of Today's Workplace? ACPN Unity '26 Explores the Answer

Workforce development, leadership, and talent retention took center stage during Plenary Session One of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), as pharmacy leaders challenged employers and young professionals to rethink their approach to career growth and human resource management.

The session, chaired by Pharm. U.N.O. Uwaga, FPSN, DCPharm, Chairman of the ACPN Board of Trustees, focused on the theme: "Effective Workforce Management and Talent Retention Strategies in Community Pharmacy Practice."

Moderated by Pharm. Nwamaka Ezedinma, the panel featured respected leaders in community pharmacy, including Pharm. Victor Afolabi, Managing Director/CEO of Wellness Pharmacy, Pharm. Ifeanyi Obidike, Managing Director/CEO of Bakan Gizo Pharmacy, Pharm. Josephine Ehimen, FPSN, DCPharm, Managing Director/CEO of Nett Pharmacy, and Pharm. Taofeek Odukoya, DCPharm, Managing Director/CEO of Vanguard Pharmacy.

The discussion addressed one of the profession's most pressing concerns, the growing challenge of attracting, developing, and retaining skilled pharmacists in community pharmacy practice amid an increasingly competitive healthcare environment.

One of the thought-provoking moments of the session came when a panelist posed a direct question to the audience: "Are most young pharmacists today truly employable?" The question sparked reflection on the expectations of employers and the readiness of young professionals entering the workforce.

The panel emphasized that employability extends beyond academic qualifications. While a pharmacy degree provides the technical foundation, pharmacists must also cultivate essential workplace competencies such as leadership, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and professionalism to thrive in today's practice environment.

The speakers stressed that effective workforce management should be regarded as a strategic priority by community pharmacy owners and managers. They encouraged employers to create supportive work environments, invest in structured mentorship programmes, and provide continuous training opportunities that enable staff to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to organizational goals.

Young pharmacists were also encouraged to look beyond their university education by acquiring additional competencies in management, business development, technology, communication, and leadership. According to the panelists, the future of pharmacy belongs to professionals who are committed to lifelong learning and are willing to continually upgrade their skills to meet changing healthcare needs.

For pharmacy owners, the discussion highlighted the importance of developing sound management systems capable of supporting sustainable business growth. Beyond clinical expertise, participants were reminded that effective leadership, strategic planning, and people management are essential ingredients for building successful community pharmacy practices.

Throughout the session, the panel repeatedly underscored that continuous professional development is not optional but a lifelong career pathway for every pharmacist. Participants were encouraged to remain committed to learning, embrace innovation, and continuously transform knowledge into practical solutions that improve patient care and business performance.

The panelists also challenged attendees to adopt what they described as a "Start, Stop, and Continue" mindset, regularly evaluating personal and professional habits by asking: "What should I start doing? What should I stop doing? What should I continue doing?" The reflective approach, they noted, helps professionals identify opportunities for growth while eliminating practices that hinder career progression.

Another recurring message throughout the session was the need for pharmacists to develop a mindset focused on growth and scalability. Rather than becoming comfortable with routine practice, young professionals were encouraged to remain intentional about expanding their knowledge, increasing their impact, and positioning themselves for leadership opportunities within the profession.

In his closing remarks, Chairman of the session, Pharm. U.N.O. Uwaga, expressed concern over what he described as the attitude of some young pharmacists, noting that it remains a significant issue receiving the attention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). He emphasized that professionalism, discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct must remain the foundation of pharmacy practice and concluded by offering a prayer for young pharmacists, expressing hope that the next generation would uphold the highest standards of the profession.

The plenary session concluded with a renewed call for both employers and young pharmacists to embrace continuous improvement, strengthen professional values, and work collaboratively toward building a resilient, highly skilled, and globally competitive community pharmacy workforce in Nigeria.