The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has urged its stakeholders in the pharma industry to brace up for collaboration among one another to advance the cause of best pharmacy practice worldwide, forward.

The call came during the 2023 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Colloquium in Lagos where participants examined ways of repositioning pharmacy practice into a significant, sustainable, and productive industry in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Pharm. Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman College of Past Presidents, challenged “all pharmacists to gird their loins and exploit a spirit of comradeship among each other.”

He reiterated that documentation within PSN should be thorough, while capacity building with the Deans of Pharmacy to update the curriculum should be carried out.

He stated that moving ahead, academic options must be utilised. The veteran pharmacist further called for the grooming of young pharmacists using technology for pharmacy research and training, while also making sure there are fewer distractions in the industry.

The accomplished practitioner urged, “Mentorship of young pharmacists leveraging technology for Pharmacy practice and education whilst also ensuring distractions within Pharmacy are reduced.”

In his presentation, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae regretted that the pharmaceutical sector still plays a relatively small role in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio. Ayebae, said, “Pharma industry does not significantly feature in the GDP equation of Nigeria.” He, therefore, counseled on the need for organised and strategic ways to approach things to draw value to themselves as pharmacists.

“This will ensure that Pharmacists are strategically placed as heads of ministries and parastatals. Pharm.”

On his part, Pharm. (Prof.) Lere Baale FPSN spoke on transforming pharmacy practice into a relevant sustainable and rewarding profession in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Dr. Sola Rabiu identified the drawbacks in strategic collaborations between the academic and pharma industry in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Dr. Etutave Oghene, Director General, Nigerian National Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) informed the gathering about an NNMDA-inspired all-purpose laboratory complex that will promote academic and industrial linkages.

Dr. Dere Awosika, a Fellow of PSN (FPSN) advocated for unity and sincerity of purpose as major tools to realise common professional goals and objectives.

 In addition, the Registrar of PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim. Babashehu Ahmed, FPSN promised that an agenda of consolidation at the PCN registry would be put in place to actualise the intendments of the PCN Act 2022.

In his speech, the representative of NAFDAC Prof. Frank Fajemirokan insisted NAFDAC was on track in systematically entrenching its safety mandate for the benefit of Nigerians.

On the need for relevant alliances to be exploited by the PSN leadership, another Past President of PSN, Pharm. Yaro Budah, FPSN stressed that there is a need to search for and build leadership while encouraging young dynamic leaders to deliver on gains achieved.

Also, a past president Olumide Akintayo, FPSN posited that pharmacy remains the real deal in the health sector of most nations, particularly in Nigeria. He reiterated a strong need to challenge the decadent status quo in the health sector.

“We must all rise to change the prevailing structure grounded in monarchical antiquity if there will be thunderous pomp and pageantry in the annals of healthcare in Nigeria,” he stressed.