In a ceremony filled with joy and pride, 128 graduates from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, were formally inducted into the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). The induction and oath-taking ceremony took place at the ETF auditorium of the university and was witnessed by a large audience, including graduates, undergraduates, faculty members, family, and well-wishers.
Pharm Wendy Oluomachukwu Ozoh was honored as the Best Graduating Student of the faculty.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha, presided over the event, marking her first induction ceremony in her current role. She commended the faculty for their achievements and expressed her desire to see it become a center of excellence, urging graduates to continue striving for success and encouraging parents to maintain close ties with the university.
Dean of the Faculty, Professor Theophine Akunne, in his address, highlighted the faculty’s progress and praised the graduates for their accomplishments. He also emphasized the need for a vehicle to support the students’ academic activities and commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering support, which contributed to the faculty’s third-place finish in the 2024 Shalina Young Talent Award for Pharmacy Schools in Nigeria.
Pharm Anthony Idoko, representing PCN Registrar, Pharm Ibrahim Ahmed, administered the oath and encouraged the new pharmacists to uphold the high ethical standards of the profession. He also recognized the efforts of the parents and guardians who supported the graduates throughout their five-year journey.
The Chairman of the occasion, Commissioner for Housing, Pharm Paully Onyeka, praised the university’s leadership for their efforts in training 128 new pharmacists and lauded the various projects initiated by Professor Omenugha since assuming office.
Keynote speaker Pharm Chinedu Nwankwo, addressing the theme *”Modern Community Pharmacy: Latest Innovations and Emerging Trends”*, called on the government to empower the community pharmacy sector to enhance patient care and improve Nigeria’s overall healthcare system.
In their remarks, Best Graduating Student Pharm Ozoh and Induction Planning Committee Chairperson Dr. Ngozi Madubogwu expressed gratitude to God, parents, faculty, and staff for making the event a success, noting that the day marked both an end and the beginning of a new journey for the graduates.
The ceremony featured the administration of oaths, handshakes with the Acting Vice-Chancellor, awards presentations, and entertainment. The traditional ruler of Ogidi Community, Igwe Pharm Alex Onyido, graced the event as the royal father of the day.
