The 94 fresh pharmacy graduates of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State, have been cautioned to be conscious of the various obstacles in the pharmacy profession in the nation’s system. The warning was given last week, during the oath-taking and induction of the institution’s first and second sets of qualified pharmacy graduates into the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Out of the 94 fresh pharmacists, 18 of them were pioneers of the institution’s Faculty of Pharmacy for 2010/2011 academic session, while 76 are inductees for 2011/2012 session. The graduates were however warned against the menace of fake-drugs, which was termed as “Nigerian factor.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eric Arubayi, who lauded the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. A.O. Onyekweli for his dedication, focus and hardworking in producing the new set of quality pharmacists, also congratulated their parents for their supportive role to nurture and train the students.

While he specifically congratulated the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for providing the enabling environment for the university to operate and the students to excel, and for making “necessary funds available for the success of the programme”, he recalled the governor’s input in the accreditation of the programme by National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Presenting a cash donation of N20,000 each to Inibuoke- Ogheneinifome ad Clifford Nkemdilim, for being the best graduating Pharmacists of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 sessions respectively, the Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, N.A.E. Muhammed commended their excellent performance.

The state Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Mr. Patrick O. Ferife, a Pharmacist and the guest speaker at the induction ceremony, in his paper entitled: “Conquering New Frontiers in Pharmacy,” said it was a dream come to true for the state and Nigeria at large to witness the emergence of home grown Pharmacists.

He stressed that new frontiers of new world were being opened today for drugs and medicines being made for safer, acceptable and accessible diagnosing of ailment. He reminded the fresh pharmacists of the desire to conquer the new frontiers, which he said, “will begin by appreciating the scope of what needs to be done in the production of safe drugs and medicines.”

He added: “In as much as it is desirable to start tele-pharmacy or e-prescribing, there is a great need to first identify your role and your area of interest in the world of pharmacy. As pharmacists, you must think positively and make decisions that must propel them forward in your chosen career.”