University of Jos (UNIJOS) has inducted its pioneer set of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) graduates, with stakeholders emphasizing the critical role of clinically trained pharmacists in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in Nigeria.

The induction, saw over 70 graduates formally admitted into the pharmaceutical profession, marking a significant shift from product-focused training to patient-centred pharmaceutical care.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, described the event as a landmark achievement for the institution and the country’s healthcare sector, noting that the Pharm-D programme was designed to produce professionals equipped for modern clinical practice.

He congratulated the inductees and urged them to uphold integrity and professionalism in their careers.

“As you take your oath, serve with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Your learning does not end here; it has only just begun,” he said.

Chairman of the occasion and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Benard Doro, stressed that pharmacy training offers diverse opportunities and plays a vital role in addressing healthcare challenges.

He noted that pharmacists are increasingly involved in patient-centred care, medication therapy management, and multidisciplinary healthcare delivery.

“Clinical pharmacy represents a shift from a product-focused approach to a patient-centered one… you are custodians of medication therapy management,” he said.

The minister further charged the new pharmacists to practice with empathy and remain committed to continuous professional development.

“A clinical practitioner without compassion is merely a technician. Always see the human being behind every prescription,” he added.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Bridging Science and Patient Care: The Journey from B.Pharm to Pharm.D,”

Pharm. Iyeseun Asieba described pharmacy as a dynamic and evolving profession requiring innovation and adaptability.

She noted that although about 30,000 pharmacists have been registered in Nigeria historically, only around 19,000 are currently practicing, leaving a significant gap in healthcare delivery.

According to her, the Pharm-D programme provides extensive clinical exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on patient care, positioning graduates to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce medication-related errors.

Representing the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Anthony Idoko reminded the inductees of the ethical standards required in professional practice.

He explained that the induction ceremony is a prerequisite for registration and outlined the next phase of training, including the mandatory one-year internship and pre-registration examination.

Highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath to the inductees, formally welcoming them into the pharmaceutical profession.

The induction of the pioneer Pharm-D graduates signals a new phase in pharmaceutical education at the University of Jos and underscores the growing importance of clinically trained pharmacists in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.