Breaking news and updates from Nigeria's pharmacy profession.
Artificial intelligence should "strengthen not replace" the expertise of pharmacists, speakers declared at the 12th Pharm. D. S. Wali Memorial Public Lecture held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Organized by the Pharm. D. S. Wali Book Project Committee in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the event explored the opportunities, ethical considerations, and regulatory challenges of AI in pharmacy practice, with experts emphasizing that human clinical judgment, accountability, and patient-centred care must remain at the heart of pharmaceutical services.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has inducted 85 foreign trained pharmacy graduates into the profession, urging them to pursue their passion with integrity, compassion, and professionalism while contributing to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has announced plans to commission at least 11 pharmaceutical manufacturing projects across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country's drive to strengthen local medicine production, improve health security, and establish Nigeria as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa.
Led by the State Coordinator, Pharm. Ebunoluwa Bonire, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Kaduna State Chapter, commemorated the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a school-based awareness programme at Demonstration Secondary School, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Samaru, Zaria.
Pharmacists at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, have been urged to strengthen adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and embrace pharmacovigilance as a core professional responsibility. At a sensitization programme organized by the hospital's Pharmacovigilance and Drug Information Centre, experts emphasized that timely reporting by healthcare professionals and patients is critical to improving medicine safety, citing landmark cases where reports from ABUTH prompted major regulatory interventions by NAFDAC and protected public health.
The West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) is advocating nationwide implementation of the consultant pharmacist cadre, arguing that the policy will enhance medication safety, reduce preventable medication errors, and improve the quality of pharmaceutical care across Nigeria.
Pharmacy Times Nigeria has appointed Associate Professor Basira Kankia Lawal, PhD, Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management at Kaduna State University, to its Advisory Board. An accomplished clinical pharmacy researcher with international recognition in patient safety, antimicrobial resistance, and implementation science, her appointment reinforces the platform's commitment to academic excellence and evidence-based healthcare communication.
The West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists has launched a N3.5 billion fundraising campaign for the construction of a permanent Secretariat and Conference Centre, with Fundraising Committee Chairman Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai calling on stakeholders to invest in the future of specialist pharmacy education and healthcare across West Africa.
Pharmacy Times Nigeria has appointed pharmacist, entrepreneur, and public health leader Pharm. Isah Dahiru to its Advisory Board. His expertise in digital health innovation, healthcare programme management, and entrepreneurship strengthens the platform's commitment to advancing credible pharmacy journalism and evidence-based healthcare communication in Nigeria.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has increased the admission quota for Novena University's Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programme to 120 students following a successful verification exercise that confirmed the institution meets the required standards for expanded pharmacy education and training.
Nigeria's Senate has advanced a landmark bill that would impose up to 15 years' imprisonment for serious fake drug offences while strengthening NAFDAC's enforcement powers. If enacted, the legislation could significantly reshape the country's fight against counterfeit medicines and improve patient safety.
Pharmacy Times Nigeria has appointed renowned pharmacy leader and former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, mni, FPSN, as Chairman of its Advisory Board. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the platform's commitment to strengthening credible pharmacy journalism, professional leadership, and evidence-based healthcare communication in Nigeria.
