Integrity is key to success, Afolabi tells UNILORIN’s 89 new pharmacists

A Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Margaret Olubunmi Afolabi, has identified integrity as the most important character in a Pharmacist, saying that the attribute sets one apart and gives anyone who has it a competitive edge because it attracts trust.

The don made this assertion on Wednesday, December 20, 2023  in a keynote address at the 8th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the 2021/2022 Pharmacy graduands of the University of Ilorin..

The renowned scholar noted that while honesty is important, it is only a part of the broader concept of integrity, which she said also includes openess, expression of gratitude, accountability and patience, among other virtues.

Read Also: UNILORIN climbs to 3rd place in scholarly output on SciVal

She noted that pharmacists care for patients who are vulnerable and should be treated with respect and also listened to.

She added that colleagues in other professions should also be given their due regard and urged the graduands to be humble and bold enough to ask questions if they don’t understand doctor’s prescriptions as she declared that doctors are the experts in diseases while pharmacists are experts in drugs and there is therefore no reason for competition.

While advising graduands on potential areas of specialisation, the don revealed that “Pharmacy practice areas in Nigeria include community pharmacy, hospital and health system pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, academia and research institutes; regulatory affairs and pharmacy journalism, among others.”

She also hinted on emerging fields and said that “Key specialisations are evolving in clinical pharmacy, which focuses on patient-centered care in hospitals and in the community”.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Suleiman Funsho Ambali, raised alarm over the prevalence of fake drugs in Nigeria, which he said are killing a lot of citizens. 

He challenged the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and other regulators such as the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rise up to the challenge posed by the menace.

In his speech, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Bayode, advised the graduands to take their internship seriously, noting that it is the second phase of their professional training.

`He also urged them not to fill their lives with abandoned projects while stating that their graduation does not free them from parental guidance.

In his address, the Ag. Dean of the Faculty, Dr.  S. T. Abdullahi, appreciated the graduands for their perseverance and tenacity, which they demonstrated in the pursuit of  learning.

He added that the class, which comprises 89 graduands, is the largest number of pharmacists ever produced by the University, saying that the class also produced 27 graduands with distinctions.

The event was attended by the pioneer Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Philip Olurinola; the immediate past Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Moji Bakare- Odunola; the Director of the University Health Services, Dr. Rasheed Odunola, and Prof. Surajudeen Bakinde.

Other guests at the event were the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Patricia Omojasola; the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Nimah Modupe AbdulRaheem; the Head of Islamic Law Department, Dr Azeezat Amoloye-Adebayo; and Dr. Barakat Raji of the same Department as well as the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin Chapter, Dr Alex Akanmu, among other dignitaries.