In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned the Minister of Education, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) regarding the proposed discontinuation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Pharmaceutical Technology. This action comes in response to a request from several holders of the HND Pharmaceutical Technology certificate who are opposed to the change.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the summons while ruling on an urgent application filed by the affected individuals. The court has ordered the three defendants to appear before it on Friday, August 16, 2024, to explain why a restraining order against their decision should not be issued.
According to a circular from the NBTE dated April 7, 2024, the board decided to end the issuance of HND certificates in Pharmaceutical Technology across all institutions under its authority. The circular, signed by NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, announced that while existing students would be permitted to complete their studies, no new admissions would be allowed from April 2024 onward. The NBTE will continue to approve and accredit National Diploma programs in Pharmacy Technology.
The circular also noted that while graduates of the HND program might face challenges finding positions in clinical settings according to the PCN, they could pursue employment in other sectors.
Discontented with this decision, six plaintiffs, represented by lawyer Wumi Adebayo, initiated legal proceedings last month against the NBTE and the PCN. They have requested an interim injunction to prevent the implementation of the circular and to safeguard the employment opportunities for current graduates.
The court has highlighted the omission of the Minister of Education from the lawsuit, given that the minister was central to the decision to discontinue the HND program. Justice Lifu has directed the plaintiffs to revise their application to include the minister and ensure all necessary parties are properly notified.
The plaintiffs are Abdul Aziz Bello, AbdulRasheed Tanimu, Osaro Odeh, Comrade Olufemi Adebisi, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, and the National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians of Nigeria. The defendants are the NBTE and PCN.
