ABU Zaria Hosts Six-Week Orientation for Foreign-Trained Pharmacists

Ahmadu Bello University, ABU Zaria, is hosting a six-week accreditation and orientation programme for foreign-trained pharmacists.

The Director, Education and Training, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, Dr. Anthony Idoko, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, in his office in Zaria.

Dr. Idoko was accompanied by Pharm. Olabisi Obisesan, Coordinator, North-West Zonal Office; Pharm. Fatima Piyo, State Coordinator, Kaduna; and Pharm. Ogochukwu Okechukwu of the Education and Training Department.

According to him, the orientation will run for six weeks and is designed to train the participants on how pharmacy is practiced in Nigeria. He explained that areas such as pharmacy jurisprudence and tropical diseases are not common in other countries, hence the need to familiarise the students with them.

Dr. Idoko appreciated the University Management for accepting to host the programme and for providing a serene environment for the students. He noted that this is the second time ABU is hosting the training programme.

Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Bello Sabo, said the University is always willing to support efforts aimed at building the capacity of professionals.

Professor Ahmed stated that the training became necessary as it will bridge the gap between learning and practice, and also provide direction for the students. He expressed pride in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and in the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for their contributions to society, and assured the Management’s support to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.

Also present at the courtesy call were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Professor Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi; the Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Mohammed Garba Magaji; Assistant Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Shuaibu Aliyu; Faculty Exams Officer, Pharm. Yahaya Aliyu; and Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. Salisu Awwalu.

Other staff from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in attendance included Dr. Aishatu Shehu and Pharm. Fauziyya Yusha’u Muhammad.