By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Mrs Lydia Olarewaju, the Former Head, Oncology Pharmacy Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has called on practitioners to prioritise continuous knowledge acquisition to improve service delivery and patient safety.
Olarewaju made the call in Ilorin during the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Pharmacy Day and Merit Award Ceremony.
The theme of the programme is entitled: “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures” and subtheme “Together for Better Health”
Olarewaju observed that the rapidly evolving nature of medicine, drug research and healthcare technology demands that pharmacists remain lifelong learners.
According to her, the landscape of pharmacy is changing everyday as
new drugs are coming, new treatment guidelines are emerging, and patients are more informed than before.
“If we do not seek knowledge deliberately, we risk becoming irrelevant and, worse, we risk compromising patient care.”
Olarewaju, who is also a consultant pharmacist, noted that knowledge goes beyond the classroom and registration requirements.
She urged pharmacists to attend trainings, read journals, participate in research, and embrace digital health tools.
According to her, continuous learning will also help pharmacists take leadership roles in public health, drug abuse prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship.
The pharmacist advised the practitioners to lay emphasis on specialization and also collaborate together and other healthcare workers.
In his address, the Chairman of PSN Kwara, Mr Mohammed Baba-Abdulmalik said the programme is an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contributions of pharmacists who have strengthened and enhanced the image of pharmacy in the State.
Baba-Abdulamalik pointed out that the PSN-Kwara have recorded milestone including the attainment of a record number of approved Fellows of the PSN.
The PSN chairman explained that the association recorded improved remuneration for members of the young pharmacists group and also significant improvement in the remuneration of pharmacies with Kwara health system.
He also disclosed that the association has procured two plots of lands for the proposed PSN water factory project which will serve as capital project and a lasting legacy for pharmacists in the State.
Also speaking, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam emphasised the need for collaboration in achieving better health outcome.
She described PSN as custodian of medicines and drugs, adding that the State government recognises the strategic importance pharmacists to healthcare sector.
El-Imam commended the health intervention of the government including restoring pharmacists intern scheme and updating CONHESS twice.
The commissioner urged the association to safeguard professional ethics, while advising them to step up research into Antimicrobial Drug Resistance (AMR).
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman 2026 Pharmacy Day Merit Awards Ceremony Planning Committee, Dr Kayode Salawu pointed out that theme of the programme is apt and timely.
He explained that the future of pharmacy cannot be built by individuals alone, as it required collaboration, mentorship, commitment and shared sense of hope.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of those recognised for outstanding service to the association includes the commissioner, Dr El-Imam and Hajia Amina Salami, the Managing Director of Omams Pharmacy Ilorin.
Others are Prof. AbdulGaniyu Giwa, the first substantive Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University Ilorin and Hajia Amina Ahmed, a pharmacist and Public Health professional.
