Posted on: Wed 27-03-2024

By Shagba Humphrey T., National President, Reformed Forum of Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria (RFPTN)

For three years now, a critical roadblock has persisted in the educational advancement of Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board's (JAMB) decision to bar Pharmacy Technicians from Direct Entry Admission (DE) into Degree Programmes is a matter of grave concern for the RFPTN and the entire Pharmacy profession.  

This policy not only creates unnecessary hurdles for Certified Pharmacy technicians seeking to upskill but also poses a threat to the future of the Pharmacy profession itself. With the JAMB DE registration deadline looming on Thursday, April 11th, 2024, we urge the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and Schools of Pharmacy Technicians Training to take immediate action.

A Clarion Call for Collaboration

• The RFPTN has been tirelessly working to expand awareness of the PCN's Direct Entry Approval among Southern Universities. However, JAMB's policy blindsided us and our members. This lack of communication and coordination between stakeholders is causing undue pandemonium.
• We call upon policymakers and all relevant stakeholders to recognize the criticality of this issue.  Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria already face numerous challenges, including a lack of advanced specialization opportunities compared to our counterparts in other nations.  JAMB's DE restriction further hinders our ability to progress and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.

The Time for Action is Now:

The frustration and impatience among Pharmacy Technicians are reaching a boiling point. The RFPTN stands as a firm advocate and demands due consideration and recognition for our profession. We urge the PCN and Institutions of Pharmacy Technicians Training to collaborate with JAMB to:

• Reconsider the DE ban:  Allow qualified Pharmacy Technicians with the PCN's Direct Entry Approval to pursue Degree Programmes through JAMB's DE pathway.
• Open communication channels: Foster better communication and collaboration between JAMB, PCN, and training institutions to ensure clear and consistent policies for Pharmacy Technicians.  

The future of the Pharmacy Technician profession hinges on our collective action. We cannot afford to let this crucial opportunity slip away. Let us work together to ensure a smooth and accessible educational path for all Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria.

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