The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched the Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program in partnership with the PSN-Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG). This initiative aims to provide paid volunteer opportunities for young pharmacists in Nigeria, giving them hands-on experience while contributing to important public health activities.
The program follows a courtesy visit by PSN-YPG members to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, earlier this year. According to NAFDAC, volunteers will participate in various agency operations, including enforcement activities, public awareness campaigns, Pharmacovigilance monitoring, surveys, community outreach programs, and special assignments such as NYSC orientation exercises.
This program offers a significant opportunity for young pharmacists in Nigeria to support public health initiatives while building valuable career experience. The program’s objectives align with NAFDAC’s mission to protect public health and safety by ensuring the quality of food, drugs, and other regulated products.
Program Details
- Recruitment for the program opened on Monday, April 28, 2025, and will close on Thursday, May 30, 2025.
- Interested young pharmacists can register by filling out the official online form provided by NAFDAC.
- The formal unveiling of the Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program will take place on June 17, 2025, in Lagos State, led by Professor Adeyeye.
- The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual participation for volunteers across the country.
The Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program will contribute significantly to public health initiatives in Nigeria. By engaging young pharmacists in various agency operations, NAFDAC can leverage their skills and expertise to improve the quality of healthcare services. This program will also help to promote awareness about the importance of medication safety, proper use of regulated products, and the prevention of drug abuse.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasized the importance of engaging young people in the agency’s efforts to promote public health and safety. In a recent event, she advised students to resist peer pressure to abuse drugs and highlighted the dangers of alcohol consumption among adolescents ¹.
The Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program is a significant step in empowering the next generation of pharmacists in Nigeria. By providing them with hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to public health initiatives, NAFDAC is investing in the future of the pharmacy profession.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare system, and their expertise is essential in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. The program will help to promote the development of young pharmacists and enhance their skills in areas such as patient counseling, medication safety, and public health advocacy ².
The launch of the Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program marks a significant milestone in NAFDAC’s efforts to promote public health and safety in Nigeria. By empowering young pharmacists and providing them with opportunities to contribute to important public health initiatives, NAFDAC is strengthening its reach and impact across the country. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the pharmacy profession and public health in Nigeria, and it will be exciting to see the outcomes of this initiative.
As NAFDAC continues to engage young pharmacists in its efforts to promote public health and safety, it is essential to recognize the importance of their role in the healthcare system. With the support of programs like the Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program, young pharmacists can develop the skills and expertise needed to make a meaningful contribution to public health in Nigeria.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria-Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG) has been instrumental in promoting the interests of young pharmacists in Nigeria. Their partnership with NAFDAC on this program is a testament to their commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession and promoting public health ³.
Overall, the Young Pharmacists Reserve Volunteers Program is a welcome development that will benefit young pharmacists, the pharmacy profession, and public health in Nigeria. As the program unfolds, it will be interesting to see the impact it has on the healthcare system and the role of pharmacists in promoting public health and safety.
