…sets up a tablet manufacturing factory
…built an automated line for antiseptics, disinfectants, reagents production
… indexed the official scientific publication of Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy
Pharmacists as front-line health workers have been urged to be advocates for premium health and well-being and not just dispensers of medicine.
This statement was contained in the opening remark delivered by Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezeminye, Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria, on Wednesday, at the 13th Oath-taking and Induction ceremony of the 2022/23 Pharmacy graduates of the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy.
While addressing the inductees at the Igbinedion University main auditorium, Okada, Prof. Lawrence emphasised, “In the realm of healthcare, your role is pivotal. As you step into the pharmacy world, embrace the responsibility that comes with it. You are entrusted with the well-being of others, and each prescription you fill carries the weight of someone’s health and hope.
“Remember, your education does not end here; it evolves, be adaptable, and embrace the continuous learning that defines a distinguished pharmacist. The ever-changing landscape of healthcare demands it.
“I therefore urge you to go forth and impact your world and be good ambassadors of the University wherever you may find yourselves.”
On research and development, Prof. Lawrence noted that the University management had provided research grants to some research hubs domiciled in the College of Pharmacy.
“The college has research collaboration with various research institutions and agencies, the most recent is with the Lusofona University, Portugal.
“The collaboration involves joint research in the development of therapy aimed at management of human and animal-related diseases, as well as student exchange, linkages and training,” he noted.
The Vice-Chancellor added: “The University has recently set up a Tablet Manufacturing Factory domiciled in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology in the College of Pharmacy.
“The facility is designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, extemporaneous compounding, and production of tablet (OTC) to meet the local needs of the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH), as well as the University’s host communities.”
Thanking the Hon. Chancellor, His Excellency, Sir Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, Esama of Benin Kingdom, whose great foresight led to the establishment of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence further expressed: “The University has also built an automated line for the production of antiseptics, disinfectants and reagants.
“This will further strengthen our teaching and research, and meet the immediate aseptic needs of the University Teaching Hospital and other health institutions in Edo State.”
While congratulating the graduates, the Vice-Chancellor said, “I urge you, the inductees to cultivate a sense of purpose in your profession. Be not just dispensers of medicine but advocates for premium health and well-being.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Prof. Ighodaro Igbe felicitated with the esteemed parents and guardians whose children/wards graduated, noting that it is indeed their day of celebration and fulfillment.
“Your unwavering support emotionally, spiritually, and financially, has been an indispensable pillar in facilitating the academic journey of these remarkable individuals who are now on the cusp of becoming Pharmacists,” Prof. Igbe said.
Narrating the recent giant developmental strides the college has taken towards maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and staff development the Dean of the College of Pharmacy stressed that the “Bachelor of Pharmacy degree program has been fully accredited by both Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National University Commission (NUC).
“It is my pleasure to inform you that the NUC has approved the commencement of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) program for the College 2021/2022 Session. The first set of admitted students into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program is currently in 200 level.”
Prof Igbe added: “The college is glad to announce that the IUO Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Official Scientific Publication of Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University is now indexed and currently available on AJOL (African Journal Online).
“This Journal will be devoted to promoting rapid dissemination of research findings in pharmaceutical and related disciplines.”
In his lecture with the theme; “Optimization of Pharmacy Services in the Nigerian Healthcare System: A Hyper-Collaborative Approach”, the guest speaker, Pharm. (Chief) Paul Osogbe Enebeli emphasized the training and retraining of pharmacists to enable them to improve on the delivery of quality healthcare services.
The ceremony’s highlights were the administration of oath to the 101 inductees by the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim B. Ahmed, presentation of the Provisional Registration Certificates to the graduates and the PCN cash prize/certificate to the Best Graduating (First Class) Student, Agetua, Chioma C (CGPA-4,67).
The prestigious Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, was established in 1999 as Nigeria’s premier and leading private university.
