Pharmacy Council Team Inspects IBBUL Facilities for New Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Advisory Team recently visited Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBUL), Lapai, to assess the institution's readiness for the upcoming launch of its Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The visit was aimed at providing guidance and evaluating the preparations necessary for the commencement of academic activities in the newly established faculty.

During an exit briefing held at the Senate Chamber, the Chairman of the advisory team, Professor Nelson Ochekpe, commended the university's ongoing preparations for the successful introduction of the pharmacy program. He emphasized the importance of robust infrastructure and faculty development, stating, "To ensure success, I will raise the implementation efforts from 150 to 200 percent."

The advisory team toured the new Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences building, where they assessed the facility's readiness and expressed satisfaction with its structure. However, Professor Ochekpe recommended duplicating the building to accommodate more laboratories. Additionally, he proposed establishing an animal facility center and a medicinal plant garden, which would benefit multiple departments, including pharmacy, zoology, and the College of Health Sciences. He noted the advantages of shared facilities, highlighting that the Pharmacy Department could effectively manage these resources.

The advisory team also praised the university for maintaining a balanced distribution of junior and senior academic staff. They advised the institution to consider Direct Entry admissions at the 200-level to fully utilize the faculty and meet the demand for experienced students transitioning from disciplines such as Physiology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry.

Furthermore, the team inspected the Central Research Laboratory and recommended that the university secure service agreements with equipment suppliers to ensure operational efficiency. "It is crucial to have after-sales agreements for training and maintenance to keep the equipment in optimal condition," remarked Professor Ochekpe.

As the visit concluded, he highlighted the importance of planning accommodation for 600-level pharmacy students who will spend significant time in clinical settings. He urged the university to consider housing solutions near the new teaching hospital in Minna to alleviate the financial burden of commuting or temporary lodging.

In response, Vice Chancellor Professor Abu Kasim Adamu affirmed the university's commitment to laying a solid foundation for its new programs. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive learning environment and noted the institution's ongoing efforts to expand facilities and improve academic standards.

Professor Adamu also highlighted the university's strategic focus on increasing capacity, stating that the institution is prioritizing the duplication of essential facilities, including additional laboratories, in the next phase of development. He reassured the advisory team that the university is actively working to meet accreditation requirements for the proposed animal facility center and medicinal plant garden.

Additionally, the Vice Chancellor mentioned recent recruitment efforts aimed at strengthening the Faculty's staffing structure, ensuring a balanced mix of junior and senior staff to enhance mentorship and support for younger colleagues.

Pharm. Ibrahim Baba Shehu Ahmed, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, provided strategic advice regarding the university's new initiatives. He stressed the need for sustained effort and oversight to maintain program quality and emphasized the council's role in ensuring continuous improvement.

In his closing remarks, the university's Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed gratitude to the advisory team for their dedication and insights, assuring that the recommendations would be seriously considered. The visit underscored the Pharmacy Council's commitment to supporting the growth of pharmacy education at IBBUL, aligning with the institution’s vision of becoming a world-class university.