The Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, inducted ninety-one (91) Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) graduates into the pharmacy profession during its Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony held at the Main Auditorium, Gloryland Campus.
The ceremony, themed "Bridging the Gap: Elucidating the Role of the Pharmacist in Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Delivery," brought together university management, representatives of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), faculty members, parents, guardians, and distinguished guests to celebrate the successful transition of the graduands into professional pharmacy practice.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen A. Agih, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom, congratulated the ninety-one graduands on attaining a significant academic milestone. He charged them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, discipline, and professionalism, reminding them that as products of Niger Delta University, they have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery and uphold the University's reputation wherever they find themselves.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Bayelsa State Branch, Pharm. Sandra Timiendu Dandyson, spoke on the theme, "Bridging the Gap: Elucidating the Role of the Pharmacist in Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Delivery."
She highlighted the evolving role of pharmacists as indispensable members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, emphasizing that quality healthcare can only be achieved through effective collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, and other healthcare professionals. She encouraged the newly inducted pharmacists to embrace teamwork, effective communication, innovation, and continuous professional development while remaining committed to patient-centered care and ethical practice.
Delivering the address of the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, FPSN, FPCPharm, FCAI, FNAPharm, the South-South Zonal Director of the PCN, Pharm. Azeeh Maude, congratulated the ninety-one inductees on successfully completing their Bachelor of Pharmacy programme and formally welcomed them into the pharmacy profession. He described the induction ceremony as a statutory requirement under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022, marking the commencement of their professional responsibilities as pharmacists.
He urged the newly inducted pharmacists to uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrate professionalism in their practice, and take their compulsory one-year internship in PCN-accredited institutions seriously, noting that the experience would prepare them for the Pre-registration Examination for Pharmacists (PEP), a mandatory requirement for full registration and practice in Nigeria.
Pharm. Maude further encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning through the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programm, uphold the Code of Professional Ethics, and continually improve their knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. He also highlighted the diverse career opportunities available in community and hospital pharmacy, academia, research, industry, administration, and other emerging fields of practice.
Congratulating the inductees and their families, he advised the new pharmacists to remain focused, seek mentorship, uphold integrity and accountability throughout their careers, and contribute meaningfully to strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria through collaborative and patient-centered practice.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Gideon O. Alade, welcomed guests to the ceremony and congratulated the graduating class on their successful completion of the programm. He expressed appreciation to the University Management, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, members of staff, parents, and all stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful training of the graduates.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of academic awards, with Miss Amaefule Joyann Oluchukwu emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Her exceptional academic achievement was celebrated as an inspiration to her colleagues and a testament to hard work, discipline, and excellence.
The Chairman of the Induction Planning Committee, Pharm. Oyeintonbara Miediegha, appreciated everyone who contributed to the successful organization of the ceremony and congratulated the newly inducted pharmacists as they commenced the next phase of their professional journey.
The ceremony featured the administration of the professional oath, presentation of certificates, presentation of awards, goodwill messages, and the formal induction of the ninety-one graduates into the pharmacy profession, marking another milestone in Niger Delta University's commitment to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals capable of advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.