Unity '26: Pharmacy Leaders Call for Structured Nutraceutical Training to Advance Patient Care

The growing role of nutraceuticals in modern healthcare took center stage during Plenary Session Two of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), as pharmacy leaders called for greater investment in education, research, and professional training to position pharmacists at the forefront of evidence-based nutraceutical practice.

The session, chaired by Pharm. Azubike Okwor, FPSN, FFIP, Past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Aliyu Zakari Jiya, PhD, FPSN, MFR, Managing Director/CEO of Alizak Pharmaceuticals, on the theme, "Balancing Optimal Therapeutic Outcomes with Essential Nutraceuticals."

The panel discussion brought together leading industry experts, including Pharm. Sylvester Uche Nwana, FPSN, Managing Director of Sylken Nigeria Limited; Pharm. (Dr.) Chigbo Joshua Agogbua, Managing Director of Wholeshield Pharmaceuticals; and Pharm. Chika Agushasi, Managing Director of Carrot Top Drugs Ltd.

In his presentation, Dr. Jiya examined the evolving role of nutraceuticals in disease prevention, health promotion, and patient care. He emphasized that nutraceuticals should no longer be regarded merely as complementary products but as evidence-based therapeutic options that can improve patient outcomes when recommended appropriately by trained healthcare professionals.

He further stressed the need for pharmacists to deepen their understanding of nutraceutical science to provide informed patient counselling, make evidence-based recommendations, and guide the safe and appropriate use of these products.

Building on the keynote presentation, the panelists explored the opportunities and challenges surrounding nutraceutical practice in Nigeria. Discussions focused on the increasing demand for preventive healthcare, rising consumer interest in nutritional supplements, and the critical role of community pharmacists in providing accurate, science-based information to patients.

The panel also underscored the importance of continuous professional development, noting that pharmacists must continually update their knowledge and remain abreast of emerging evidence as nutraceuticals gain wider acceptance in healthcare.

A major highlight of the session came during the chairman's closing remarks, when Pharm. Azubike Okwor called on the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to develop structured masterclasses on nutraceuticals for practicing pharmacists.

He also advocated the inclusion of nutraceutical education in pharmacy school curricula, noting that exposing students to the science, clinical applications, and regulatory aspects of nutraceuticals during undergraduate training would better prepare future pharmacists for contemporary practice.

The session concluded with a shared view that the future of community pharmacy extends beyond medicine dispensing. As healthcare increasingly emphasizes prevention, wellness, and patient-centered care, pharmacists must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to responsibly integrate nutraceuticals into routine clinical practice.

The plenary session reinforced ACPN's commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through continuous learning, innovation, and evidence-based healthcare while preparing Nigerian pharmacists to meet the country's evolving health needs.