Stakeholders in Nigeria’s pharmacy sector have called for improved training facilities and curricula for pharmacy technicians to meet the evolving demands of pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare technology. This appeal was made during an interactive forum and workshop held in Abuja on Thursday, organized by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Themed “Advancing the Training and Practice of Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria: Regulatory Perspective,” the event brought together provosts, principals, and heads of pharmacy technician training departments from schools and colleges of health technology across the country.
Professor Umar Pateh, the keynote speaker, highlighted critical challenges faced by institutions offering pharmacy technician training. He pointed out that many lack adequate infrastructure, equipment, and resources, which limits students’ practical exposure and hinders their ability to develop essential skills for effective practice. “The rapid advancements in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare technology demand that training programmes be regularly updated to reflect current trends and best practices,” Pateh emphasized.
He noted that while the PCN has reviewed the curriculum multiple times—most recently in 2015—there is a pressing need for ongoing revisions to address gaps identified by the council’s examination committee. Pateh also stressed that once pharmacy technicians enter the workforce, opportunities for continuing education are often scarce, leading to stagnation in competence and adaptability. “It is essential for the PCN to organize mandatory continuing education programmes for pharmacy technicians,” he stated.
Despite efforts to regulate the practice of pharmacy technicians, Pateh acknowledged gaps in enforcement that allow unqualified individuals to operate, posing risks to public health. He urged strict adherence to guidelines governing certification awards and called for quality assurance measures in teaching and learning processes.
The Registrar and CEO of PCN, Ibrahim Ahmed, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of aligning training standards with global benchmarks. He revealed that the council had upgraded the curriculum in 2021 and introduced research portfolios to identify gaps and ensure compliance with international standards. Ahmed also highlighted plans to expand training institutions by involving private organizations and increasing quotas to meet growing demand.
Ahmed described these reforms as part of a broader effort under Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aimed at transforming pharmaceutical education and practice. He assured stakeholders that PCN’s robust regulatory mechanisms would continue to enhance the qualifications and career paths of pharmacy technicians.
The forum underscored the collective responsibility of stakeholders in addressing existing challenges while fostering partnerships to promote research, innovation, and strategic planning. With these initiatives, Nigeria’s pharmacy sector aims to equip technicians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.