It was a moment of joy as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, inducted one hundred and twenty-eight graduates of Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, into the Council.

 

The ETF auditorium of the University, venue for the event was filled by the graduates, undergraduates, staff, Management, families, friends and well-wishers who were in attendance to witness the induction and Oath-taking ceremony.

 

the Acting Vice-Chancellor, COOU, Igbariam, Professor Kate Omenugha said that the ceremony was a happy moment for her as it is her first induction as the Acting VC, and commended the faculty for doing so well.

 

She restated that she wanted the faculty to be a centre of excellence as they have the capacity, noting that as the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is third now, it will become the first in the nearest future, urging parents to become friends of the University and the graduates to continue to soar like the eagles, assuring them that the world will celebrate them.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the faculty, Professor Theophine Akunne said the faculty has added another feather to her landmark achievements as a total of one hundred and twenty-eight fresh graduates of the faculty are inducted into the noble pharmacy profession as pharmacists and congratulated the graduates for achieving such feat.

 

While emphasizing on their need of vehicle for students of the faculty, Professor Akunne commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for her encouragement and support which contributed to their success in 2024 Shalina Young Talent Award Season 5, competition for Pharmacy Schools in Nigeria, where the faculty emerged as the Third Best Pharmacy Schools in Nigeria.

Before administration of oath on the inductees, the Registrar, PCN, Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed, represented by Pharm Anthony Idoko, affirmed that the Oath-taking ceremony is one of the policies stipulated by PCN and urged the inductees that they should maintain high ethical standard for which the profession is known even as he commended their parents and guardians for sacrifices they made to see them through their five years training.

 

The Chairman on the occasion and Commissioner for Housing, Pharmacist Paully Onyeka described pharmacy as a very noble profession in all ramifications and appreciated Professor Omenugha for getting the students trained as pharmacists and various laudable projects she has carried out in the University within the short period she assumed office.

The Keynote Speaker, Pharmacist Chinedu Nwankwo who spoke on the theme, “Modern Community Pharmacy: Latest Innovations and Emerging Trends,” called on governments at all levels to empower Community Pharmacy sector in Nigeria to maximize health benefits by patients and improve the overall healthcare system in Nigeria.

 

In their separate remarks, the best graduating student, Pharmacist Wendy Oluomachukwu Ozoh and the Chairperson, Induction Planning Committee, Dr. Ngozi Madubogwu, appreciated God for his benevolence, parents, staff and Management for making the day a success saying that the day marks not only the end of a pivotal chapter but also the beginning of a fresh and exciting journey full of promises.

 

Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido, the traditional ruler of Ogidi Community, the royal father of the day.