University of Ilorin inducts seventy three inaugural PharmD graduates

The University of Ilorin has inducted 73 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates, marking the 10th induction ceremony of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the first involving graduates of its PharmD programme. The ceremony took place at the University Auditorium last Thursday, October 29, 2026, and featured the administration of the Pharmacists Oath on the Class of 2026.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Technology and Innovation, Professor Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye. Professor Egbewole urged the graduands to sustain the standard of excellence of the University through continuous learning, networking and mentorship. He described Pharmacy as a profession requiring integrity, compassion and constant learning, while highlighting the Diaspora Bridge Programme of the Ministry of Education as an avenue for sharing professional knowledge.

The keynote speaker and Chief Executive Officer of KCC Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pharm. Adebayo Oladipupo Adeniyi, challenged the graduands to make integrity, innovation and leadership the guiding principles of their careers. He urged them to uphold ethical standards, protect the medicine supply chain, and prioritise patient safety. He also encouraged the use of artificial intelligence, digital health solutions and data analytics, stressing that technology should support professional judgement rather than replace it. He advocated stronger collaboration among universities, government and industry to promote local drug manufacturing, research and development.

Registration and Professional Requirements

The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babasehu Ahmed, was represented by the Council Zonal Director, Pharm. E. S. Bayode. He congratulated the University, Faculty, and inductees, noting that induction is a requirement for registration under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act, 2022. He explained that graduates must complete a compulsory one-year internship at accredited centres and pass the Pre-registration Examination for Pharmacists before becoming eligible to practise in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Abdulganiyu Giwa, described the occasion as a landmark. He recalled that the Faculty was approved by Senate in December 2009 and commenced academic activities in the 2010 to 2011 academic session with Professor P. F. Olurinola as pioneer Dean. He added that the graduates were admitted in the 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 sessions during the transition from Bachelor of Pharmacy to Doctor of Pharmacy.

The overall Best Graduating Student, Haleemah Abosede Korodo, delivered the valedictory address and won 16 of the 30 awards presented, including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Overall Best Graduating Student Award. Dignitaries present at the event included the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, and the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik.