UNILAG Inducts 112 New Pharmacists

The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Tuesday, officially inducted 112 new pharmacists into the Pharmaceutical profession.

The inductees, part of the 2023/2024 cohort, were honored at the induction ceremony held at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the event marked another significant milestone in the university’s commitment to producing qualified professionals for industry needs while contributing to national development.

Professor Ogunsola, who was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Professor Gloria Ayoola, commended the new pharmacists for their resilience, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment, which led to their academic success.

The University VC emphasized the importance of technology in every field, noting, “AI will allow you to achieve things beyond what was once imaginable but let us also remember that technology should always enhance, not replace the human touch. Patients value and trust you not only for your knowledge but also for the compassion and reassurance you bring to their care…it is therefore our duty to use these powerful tools with empathy, care and professionalism”.

She urged the inductees to continuously seek knowledge and embody the virtues, values, and ethics of the pharmaceutical profession.

In his remarks, Chairman of the ceremony, Pharmacist Olumide Akintayo, congratulated the inductees on the successful completion of their studies.

He described their entry into the pharmaceutical profession as occurring at a challenging time, particularly in the light of the significant issues facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

However, he viewed these challenges as opportunities to strengthen the pharmaceutical industry, both in Nigeria and globally, through the integration of AI.

He explained, “The goal of integrating AI into pharmaceutical practice is to create a healthier future for all Nigerians, ensure no child dies from malaria or diarrhea due to lack of access to the right medication, reduce maternal mortality, and ensure no elderly person is neglected because they live far from the nearest pharmacy.”

The event, themed “Pharmacy in the Digital Age: Embracing AI for a Healthier Future”, also featured the 10th Alumni Lecture.

The Guest Speaker, Pharmacist Olanrewaju Awolokun, delivered a lecture titled: “Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI”, wherein he highlighted the transformative potential of AI and its vital role in advancing the pharmaceutical industry.

He dismissed concerns that AI would replace pharmacists and encouraged the inductees to view AI as a tool that could enhance the integrity of the medicines supply chain and improve drug authentication.

The 2006/2007 UNILAG alumni also discussed the current trends in digital healthcare, the challenges facing AI in Pharmacy, and its future potential.

He advocated for further research to expand the applicability of AI and increase its acceptance across the industry.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the 2023/2024 inductees by Professor Gloria Ayoola to the Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed, who then administered the Pharmacist’s Oath and presented Provisional Certificates of Registration to the new inductees.

Of the 112 pharmacists inducted, 38 graduated with distinction, with Wuraoluwa Comfort Olayiwola emerging as the best graduating student.

She received the overall prize with an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.91.