Benin City, Nigeria – March 21, 2025
In a landmark event, 22 pioneer graduates of the Pharmacy Technician programme at Igbinedion College of Health Technology, Benin, were officially inducted into the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) at a well-attended ceremony that attracted distinguished dignitaries, healthcare professionals, and proud families.
The historic induction, which took place at the College Hall, marked a significant milestone for the institution and underscored its commitment to producing skilled pharmacy technicians ready to contribute to the healthcare sector.
Chief Medical Director of Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH), Okada, Dr. Ya’u Abubakar Gagarawa, who represented the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience, emphasizing the critical role pharmacy technicians play in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Delivering the keynote address on “Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians in the Contemporary World”, Dr. (Mrs.) Tivere Osa-Afe, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee, Edo State, urged the graduates to seize the opportunities ahead, reminding them that their contributions would be invaluable in the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
“Today’s induction is a testament to the high standards of training at Igbinedion College of Health Technology. As you step into your professional journey, remember that your expertise will directly impact patient care and public health. Uphold excellence, ethics, and continuous learning,” Dr. Gagarawa charged the inductees, reaffirming the university’s unwavering support for healthcare education.
“The world is waiting for you. Step forward with confidence, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical practice,” she advised.
The event was chaired by Dr. Chris Oisakede, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Edo State, who applauded the college for its dedication to producing competent pharmacy technicians. He emphasized the importance of upholding the ethics of the profession while embracing innovation.
In his goodwill message at the ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. McAnthony Osadolor, Executive Director of Nomagbon Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Chairman of the Edo State Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), congratulated the inductees and highlighted the growing demand for well-trained pharmacy technicians in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
A defining moment of the event was the oath-taking ceremony, which was conducted under the supervision of representatives from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), officially recognizing the inductees as certified Pharmacy Technicians.
The Provost, Edwin Ojieho, earlier his welcome address, thanked the university leadership, faculty, parents, and guests for their unwavering support in making the event a success. He assured that the institution would continue to uphold its tradition of excellence in healthcare education.
The event concluded with an atmosphere of joy and celebration, as the graduates stepped into their professional futures with pride. With their induction into the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, they are now ready to contribute meaningfully to healthcare, armed with knowledge, skill, and a sense of purpose.
As the resounding message of the day emphasized—the world is waiting for them!
-Uyi Osaretin, PRO, IUTH, Okada
Congratulations to the entire team and students on this outstanding achievement!