The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerian pharmacists trained overseas to remain in the country and utilise their expertise to bolster the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, represented by the Director of Food and Drug Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf, during the induction and oath-taking ceremony for foreign-trained pharmacists.

According to him, Nigeria’s healthcare sector requires skilled professionals as the country intensifies efforts to improve access to quality medicines, enhance patient safety, and promote the rational use of drugs.

The minister also emphasised the government’s backing for domestic pharmaceutical production, citing its importance in creating jobs, boosting confidence in locally made medicines, and driving national progress.

Pate said, “I want you to listen and reflect on the advice of the Director-General of NIPRD. By looking inward, you can succeed. With self-determination, belief in yourself, and trust in God, you will excel.

“We recognise that your entry into the profession comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to improve access to quality medicines, enhance patient safety, and promote the rational use of medicines. Your expertise, dedication, and adherence to ethical practice will be critical to achieving these goals.

“The minister is deeply passionate about transforming the health sector. Encouraging local pharmaceutical manufacturing is key to national progress, building confidence in what we produce, and creating employment opportunities for our youth.

“I urge you to see today’s oath not merely as a formality, but as a solemn commitment to uphold the integrity of the profession, serve patients with compassion, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of pharmaceutical care in Nigeria. We need you to bring back that knowledge to society and into our health sector.”

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe, shared his personal experience of turning down a lucrative opportunity abroad to return to Nigeria.

Adigwe stated that moving back to Nigeria after studying in the UK was his best career move, saying pharmacists can make a bigger difference where they’re most needed.

Despite the lure of higher pay abroad, he believes staying in Nigeria brings long-term job satisfaction and chances to contribute to the country’s growth.

“Like many of you, I chose to return to Nigeria, and people were surprised. It turned out to be the best career decision I ever made—gaining global exposure and bringing that knowledge back to make an impact where it is most needed.

“You are about to take an oath into a noble profession. There is nothing you can do with a pharmacy degree anywhere in the world that you cannot do here. Serving God is the most honourable thing, and serving your country is next.

“I know some of you are thinking: should I return to the UK, Asia, or the United States, where pharmacists earn as much as $200,000 annually? I can tell you categorically that staying in Nigeria, especially now, is the way to go,” he said.

Adigwe also cited Aliko Dangote’s investment as evidence of confidence in Nigeria’s future, stressing that large-scale projects, such as refineries, ports, and manufacturing, can boost the country’s potential.

He added that the pharmaceutical sector had been prioritised under the current administration’s value-chain development initiatives, with international funding being mobilised to support healthcare and pharmaceutical growth.

According to him, Nigeria has pharmaceutical companies already certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and projects underway to boost local production of key ingredients, opening up new avenues for pharmacists.

Earlier, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Ahmed, said the ceremony marked the successful completion of the second cycle of the 2025 Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Orientation Programme.

Ahmed further stated that the programme aims to acquaint overseas-trained pharmacists with Nigeria’s health landscape, laws, and practical realities, qualifying them to work locally.

He noted that these pharmacists are joining the field as their roles in the healthcare system are growing.

However, it was cited at the event that Nigeria’s health sector is struggling with many professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad, adding that if the government can convince overseas-trained pharmacists to stay, it could help reduce the brain drain and boost healthcare in the country.

Recall that in 2025, the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia called on the Federal Government to urgently address the growing shortage of academic pharmacists in the country.

National Chairperson of NAPA, Prof. Catherine Stanley, appealed for the opening of the 23rd Annual National Scientific Conference of NAPA, held at the University of Port Harcourt.

The event had the theme: “Pharmacy Practice in the New Global Economy: Education, Technology and Collaborations”.

Stanley attributed the shortage of pharmacists to the increasing migration of young professionals to Europe and North America in search of better opportunities.

She described pharmacists in academia as ‘an endangered species,’ citing their migration to foreign countries and the lack of replacements for retirees and deceased colleagues.

“There is an acute shortage of needed manpower in critical sectors of pharmacy education.

“This trend should not be allowed to continue,” she pleaded.

Stanley further urged the government to prioritise the welfare of academic pharmacists to ensure sustainability in pharmaceutical education and research. (Nigerian Tribune)

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