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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
It was a moment of joy, fulfillment and excitement at the ETF auditorium, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, recently, following the successful induction and oath taking ceremony of 53 freshly minted pharmacy graduates of the institution.
The induction, the 5th edition, with the theme: “Transitioning from classroom to niche expertise in 21st Century pharmacy practice” was performed by the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed, represented by the South East Zonal Officer, PCN, Dr Ifeyinwa Ohaeri.
The registrar charged the graduates to be worthy professionals for the achievement of excellence in the provision of quality pharmaceutical services for sustainable healthcare delivery in Nigeria
“As pharmacists, you are expected to get yourself acquainted with the code of professional ethics which prescribes your professional and moral responsibilities to the patients, pharmacist colleagues, other healthcare professionals, your employers and the general public, among others. Strict compliance to the Code of Ethics is indispensable for the practice of pharmacy profession” he said.
The Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academics), Prof. Ejiofor Obiora, affirmed that the graduates were found worthy in character and learning, urging them to uphold the ideals of “The Now University and of the Future” through ethical practice, innovation, and service to society.
He further charged them to rise as solution-driven pharmacists who will not only dispense medications, but also contribute meaningfully to research, community health, and global best practices, thereby positioning the university on the map of excellence through their conduct and achievements.
In his address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Theophine Akunne, reiterated that the Faculty is on a steady path of growth and transformation, owing to the visionary leadership of the vice chancellor.
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He noted key milestones, including the successful NUC resource verification for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) programme—meaning that current 100-level students are now fully enrolled as Pharm D candidates—as well as the commencement of a Professional Diploma in Herbal Medicine.
He charged the inductees to uphold the university’s guiding philosophy of the “3V’s”—Value, Viability, and Visibility—by contributing meaningfully to society through pharmaceutical excellence, maintaining strong moral and intellectual capacity, and remaining professionally distinguished in all spheres
“The creation of Centre for Herbal Medicine and Drug Research in the Faculty is another milestone in the history of the faculty. In addition, our postgraduate degree programmes have commenced in all six departments of the faculty following COOU Postgraduate School and Senate approvals, respectively. The faculty now has a 32-seater bus for clinical rotations.”
“Your resilience, hard work, doggedness, and sleepless nights have now paid off. We wish you well in all your future professional engagements and pray for God’s guidance and protection to everyone, now and always, Amen. Please, I urge you never to forget your alma mater, as you have from, today, become alumni members of the faculty”.
“Furthermore, in accordance with the three V’s mantra of our amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, which are value, viability and visibility, you are hereby challenged to go into the wider society to pharmaceutically add value, be morally and mentally viable, and above all, be always professionally visible and outstanding” Prof Akunne said.
The Dean also appreciated the immense contributions of the Royal Father of the Day, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido , traditional ruler of Ogidi community, Anambra State for the numerous projects he generously donated to the faculty, particularly the gigantic annex building.
He also recognised the contributions of great collaborators, friends of the faculty, and big donors who assisted in the needs of the faculty, which included renowned pharmacists like Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye (Juhel), Dr Uche Apakama (Pax), Dr Emma Udeakpe, Ezebuilo Bankole, Patrick Obi, Dr Emma Chukwu, Chinedu Nwankwo, Dr Joseph Odumodu, and Dr Sunday Nwako, among others.
In her keynote address, a renowned pharmacist, Lady Adaeze Omaliko, explained that graduation is not their arrival point but a starting point, adding that pharmacy is not just about dispensing drugs, but about people and about life. He noted that pharmaceutical care is the responsible provision of drug therapy for the purpose of achieving basic outcomes intended to improve the patient’s quality of life, and advised the graduates to be dedicated in their profession.
Chairman on the occasion, Dr Godwin Nnadozie, appreciated the efforts of the university for the accreditation of the faculty and thanked their forbearers in the profession for keeping the flag flying. He charged the new pharmacists not to allow their voices as pharmacists to be drowned.
In her valedictory speech, the Best Graduating Student of the Class of 2025, Emmanuella Obi-Ezeanyim, expressed gratitude to God, the Vice-Chancellor, Omenugha, her lecturers, and all who contributed to her success story, and appealed to all to remember Jesus who loved them enough to die for them. She admonished them to hold the hands of Jesus, stressing that it is one decision that changes everything.
Obi-Ezeanyim, apart from being decorated as the overall best graduating student, was also named the best graduating student in the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine.
