Universities That Offers PharmD Program In Nigeria 2023/2024 | Difference Between PharmD And B.Pharm

Universities That Offers PharmD Program In Nigeria 2023/2024

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among Nigerian universities, with an increasing number of institutions either planning to offer or awaiting approval from the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) to introduce the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. This article provides insights into the differences between PharmD and B.Pharm degrees, explores universities currently offering PharmD programs, discusses NUC-approved universities for PharmD, and considers the potential adoption of PharmD by more schools in the future.

Is PharmD Different from B.Pharm?

1. Overview: Both PharmD and B.Pharm are degrees awarded to graduates of Pharmacy.
2. PharmD: PharmD is a professional doctorate in pharmacy and is required in some countries to practice as a pharmacist.
3. B.Pharm: B.Pharm is a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, which currently serves as the minimum requirement to practice as a pharmacist in Nigeria.
4. Shifting Landscape: With the evolution of pharmacy practice becoming more clinically oriented, incorporating the PharmD program has become crucial.

Universities That Offer PharmD Program in Nigeria:

1. University of Benin (UNIBEN): UNIBEN pioneered the PharmD program in Nigeria, commencing in 2001. It received full accreditation from NUC in 2016. The program’s duration is six years, with graduates awarded both B.Pharm and PharmD degrees.
2. Bayero University, Kano (BUK): BUK admitted its first set of pharmacy students in 2016 and is yet to graduate any cohort.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): UNN admitted its first PharmD students in 2019 and is also awaiting its first graduating class.
4. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
5. University of Ibadan (UI)
6. University of Ilorin (Unilorin)

NUC-Approved Universities for PharmD: In addition to the universities mentioned above, several other institutions have received NUC approval to offer the PharmD program:

• Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State
• Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
• Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
• Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
• University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
• University of Calabar, Cross River State
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
• Kwara State University, Ilorin
• University of Jos, Plateau State
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
• University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Potential Adoption of PharmD by More Schools: While the PharmD program is costly to implement, it is anticipated that over time, more universities currently offering the B.Pharm program will transition towards offering PharmD as well.

Summary: Currently, there are six universities in Nigeria offering the PharmD program: University of Benin, Bayero University Kano, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Jos, University of Ibadan, and University of Ilorin. In the future, other universities currently offering the B.Pharm program are expected to join this trend.

Conclusion: The landscape of pharmacy education in Nigeria is gradually shifting with the introduction of the PharmD program in various universities. PharmD offers a more clinically oriented approach to pharmacy practice. As more institutions adopt PharmD, it is expected to become the minimum requirement for registration and licensing of fresh pharmacy graduates in Nigeria. For further inquiries, feel free to