UNILORIN inducts 73 inaugural PharmD graduates
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin has inducted 73 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates, marking the 10th induction ceremony of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the first involving graduates of its PharmD programme.
The ceremony, held at the University Auditorium last Thursday (October 29, 2026), featured the administration of the Pharmacists’ Oath on the Class of 2026.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, who urged the graduands to sustain the standard of excellence of the University through continuous learning, networking and mentorship.
Prof. Egbewole described Pharmacy as a profession requiring integrity, compassion and constant learning. He encouraged the inductees to maintain ties with the University and contribute through mentoring, employment, entrepreneurship and teaching. He also highlighted the Diaspora Bridge Programme of the Ministry of Education as an avenue for sharing professional knowledge.
The keynote speaker, who.is also the Chief Executive Officer of KCC Pharmaceuticals Limited, Ilorin, Pharm. Adebayo Oladipupo Adeniyi, challenged the graduands to make integrity, innovation and leadership the guiding principles of their careers.
Pharm Adeniyi urged them to uphold ethical standards, protect the medicine supply chain and prioritise patient safety. He encouraged the use of Artificial Intelligence, digital health solutions and data analytics, stressing that technology should support, not replace, professional judgement.
He described leadership as responsibility, accountability, mentorship and service rather than position or title. He also advocated stronger collaboration among universities, government and industry to promote local drug manufacturing, research and development. He urged the inductees to embrace lifelong learning and help establish a positive reputation for the inaugural PharmD programme.
The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babasehu Ahmed, represented by the Council’s Zonal Director, Pharm. E. S. Bayode, congratulated the University, Faculty and inductees.
Pharm Ahmed said induction was 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 PCN-accredited centres and pass the Pre-registration Examination for Pharmacists before becoming eligible to practise in Nigeria.
He urged them to observe professional ethics, avoid misconduct and the “Register and go Syndrome”, and uphold their responsibilities to patients and the public. He also highlighted pharmacists’ contributions to public health, vaccine services and pharmaceutical research.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Abdulganiyu Giwa, described the occasion as a landmark, being the Faculty’s 10th induction and first for PharmD graduates. He recalled that the Faculty was approved by Senate in December 2009 and commenced academic activities in the 2010/2011 academic session, with Prof. P. F. Olurinola as pioneer Dean.
Prof. Giwa said the graduates were admitted in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 sessions during the transition from B.Pharm to PharmD.
He urged them to uphold their oath through honesty, integrity, compassion and service, while appreciating the Vice Chancellor for supporting the transition.
Speaking the Faculty Officer, Deputy Registrar, Mrs Rasheedat A. Babamale-Afolabi, appreciated the University management, PCN, guests, professional bodies, Faculty staff, parents and guardians. She urged the inductees to demonstrate integrity, innovation and leadership in practice.
In her valedictory address, the overall Best Graduating Student, Haleemah Abosede Korodo, thanked God, her family, lecturers and Faculty staff for their support. She congratulated her colleagues and encouraged them to remain committed to excellence. Korodo won 16 of the 30 awards presented, including the PCN Overall Best Graduating Student Award.
The 73 inductees took the Pharmacists’ Oath, pledging to serve humanity, protect patients’ confidential information, maintain professional competence and place service above personal interests.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, Special Guest of Honour; the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, the Guest of Honour; PSN Kwara State Branch Chairman, Pharm. Munirat Kikelomo Bello, and members of her team; and Fellow Abiole Aina Okeowo, among several others.
