Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Optometry Now Six -year Courses

University students and professionals in pharmacy, optometry, and physiotherapy have warmly welcomed the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) recent decision to extend the duration of these courses to six years. This change replaces the previous five-year study period, bringing the programs in line with international standards.

The NUC’s announcement, made on Wednesday by acting Director of Public Affairs, Franca Chukwuonwo, clarified that graduates in these fields will now earn advanced degrees: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), replacing the former Bachelor’s degrees.

According to the NUC, the expansion of the programs includes additional courses to meet global academic and professional standards.

Reactions from Professionals

Prof. Rufai Yusuf-Ahmad, the Registrar/CEO of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, expressed support for the development, noting that physiotherapy had already transitioned to a six-year program in some universities over four years ago. He explained that this shift would improve the quality of education and training, allowing physiotherapists to specialize in different areas and better prepare for primary healthcare roles.

Similarly, Salamatu Orakwelu, Chair of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FCT chapter), emphasized that while the six-year program isn’t new, it aligns with global best practices. Orakwelu highlighted that the move would improve patient safety and care, benefiting both practitioners and patients alike.

Dr. Obinna Awiaka, former President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, pointed out that the optometry program has been a six-year course since 1989, while Dr. Bola Sogunro, an experienced optometrist, echoed this sentiment, calling for more recognition and appropriate compensation for optometrists.

Students React to the Change

Students are also positive about the development. Illo Prudentus, a 500-level Pharmacy student at the University of Lagos, noted that the new curriculum will benefit future cohorts, with the transition to a PharmD expected to enhance the program’s international relevance.

Timi Adeloun, a 300-level Physiotherapy student at the University of Ibadan, also welcomed the move, anticipating that the extended course duration would raise the profile and effectiveness of physiotherapists in healthcare.

Concerns and Criticisms

Despite widespread approval, some, like Prof. Kayode Adebayo, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, have raised concerns. Adebayo questioned the necessity of extending the duration of studies and the added value it would bring, particularly in a global context where some countries are reducing academic durations in certain medical fields.

A Step Towards Global Competitiveness

Many believe that the extended six-year programs will improve Nigeria’s position on the global stage. Dr. Lolu Ojo, CEO of Merit Healthcare Ltd., emphasized that the switch from BPharm to PharmD will enhance the quality of education, professionalism, and clinical skills, providing pharmacists with better job prospects and earning potential. Olaide Soetan, MD of NHC Pharmaceuticals Limited, echoed these views, underscoring the importance of aligning pharmacy education with international standards and improving patient care outcomes in Nigeria.

Overall, the NUC’s decision to extend these programs to six years is viewed as a positive step towards improving the quality of healthcare education and preparing graduates to meet international standards. While some concerns remain, the consensus among students and professionals is that this change will ultimately benefit both practitioners and the healthcare system as a whole.


Discover more from LN247

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Advertisement

Most Popular This Week

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More from Author

Advertisement

Read Now

JAMB Introduces320 UTME Score Benchmark for Under-16 Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that outstanding candidates below the age of 16 can be considered for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions if they achieve a minimum score of 320 (80%) in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This policy follows the reversal of...

FG to Discuss 12-Year Basic Education Proposal with NUT and Principals

The Federal Government will meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) on Wednesday to discuss the proposed 12-year basic education plan by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa. The proposal seeks to combine junior...

What You Should Know About Nigeria’s Proposed 12year Education System

The Nigerian government has proposed a transition of a 12-year basic education model to replace the country's current 6-3-3-4 school system . Nigeria's Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the statement on Thursday, 6th of February, during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE)...

Discover more from LN247

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading