By Milcah Tanimu
Members of the National Association of Polytechnic Students have voiced their opposition to the removal of Pharmaceutical Technology from the list of Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Nigeria. They criticized the agreement reached between the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) to accredit and train only National Diploma Pharmacy Technicians.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) approving this decision was signed on April 17, with the Federal Government’s endorsement. This move, aimed at resolving a longstanding issue concerning the training of pharmaceutical technologists, has sparked discontent among polytechnic students.
The Coordinator of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, South West Zone, Monday Obasanya, expressed concern over the potential impact on graduates’ future employment prospects. He emphasized the uncertainty faced by students and graduates following the dis-accreditation of the course by relevant bodies, calling for a reversal of the decision.
Obasanya highlighted the risk of wasted human resources and potential brain drain in the healthcare sector if graduates are denied opportunities in the labor market due to invalidated qualifications. He urged immediate action from relevant authorities to address students’ concerns and validate the Pharmaceutical Technology course in polytechnics.
Students like Omolola Omon and recent graduate Sunday Oguntola shared their dismay over the decision, expressing concern about their career prospects and the perceived injustice of the dis-accreditation. They emphasized the need for fairness and consideration for students pursuing this discipline, urging prospective employers in the health sector to recognize their qualifications.
The protest underscores the broader implications of educational policies on students’ livelihoods and the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration in shaping policies that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities in education and employment.
