Stay back to make a difference, Egbewole urges Pharmacy graduands

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged newly inducted Pharmacists produced by the University to utilise their skills for the benefit of the country, rather than seeking opportunities abroad.

Speaking at the 9th Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony of the new graduates of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences last Tuesday (November 19, 2024), Prof. Egbewole emphasised the need for the new Pharmacists to contribute their quotas to the development of the country.

The Vice Chancellor congratulated the Faculty for producing 77 new Pharmacists as he urged the inductees to always exhibit professionalism.

Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abayomi Omotesho,told the Pharmacy graduands that rather than traveling out, they should stay behind to make valuable contributions to the country’s development.

The renowned legal luminary also charged the 77 Inductees not to forget their alma mater, reminded them of the need to remain good ambassadors of the University.

On his part, the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Mr Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, counselled the inductees to maintain high ethical standards, stressing that it is part of leadership qualities prescribed by the Council.

Mr Ahmed, who was represented by the North Central Zonal Coordinator of the Council, Mr Bayode Emmanuel, encouraged the graduands to utilise their internship period to acquire more knowledge and skills, which will prepare them for future opportunities.

The Registrar advised them not to underrate themselves, saying that there is no limitation to the level they can attain in life.

The Keynote Speaker, Mrs Abimbola O. Adebakin, who spoke on “Transforming Pharmacy Practice through Technological Innovation and Pharmapreneurship”, enjoined the inductees to make effective use of Artificial Intelligence and also to always think outside the box.

Mrs Abimbola, who is also the Founder/CEO, Advantage Health Africa, Lagos, said that the inductees are professionals who are charged with a lot of responsibilities as she encouraged them not to feel inferior because they have been inducted into a noble profession.

She urged them to be innovative, creative and to take note of the opportunities around instead of running out of the country, and thereby leaving their opportunities for outsiders.

In his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Abdulganiyu Giwa, urged the inductees to always remember the professional oath they took and never act in any manner that would contradict the vows.

Prof. Giwa expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the entire management of the University for their unwavering supports for the Faculty.

In his valedictory speech, the Overall Best Graduating student, Mr Abdulbasit Ajibola Ajumobi, expressed his gratitude to the University and their parents for the huge investment on them.

He urged his colleagues to strive to offer invaluable services to the nation and humanity.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfalfa; the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal and Chief Rahmon Jimoh Bioku, the Bobajiro of Kishi Kingdom and Founder/CEO, Bioraj Pharmaceutical Limited, Ilorin, among others.