PCN and NBTE Sign Historic MoU for Pharmacy Technician Training in Nigeria

In a landmark event on April 17, 2024, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) alongside the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) embarked on a significant educational reform by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This pivotal agreement marks the commencement of a unified approach to the training of Pharmacy Technicians across Nigeria, signalling a new era in pharmaceutical education.

📜 MoU Signed	PCN & NBTE collaboration
🗓️ Date	17th April 2024
📍 Location	Federal Ministry of Education HQ
🎓 Focus	Pharmacy Technicians only
🏛️ Witnessed By	Hon. Minister, Permanent Secretary & Directors
🔍 Purpose	Standardise and enhance training
🚀 Impact	Ends 22-year-old issue, starts new training standard
🎗️ Leadership	Acknowledged by Federal Ministries of Health & Education

Highlights from the Signing Ceremony

The MoU signing ceremony was conducted at the prestigious headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education and was chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Hon. (Dr.) Tanko Sununu. The ceremony was well-attended by esteemed officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education and various Directors within the Ministry, showcasing the high level of governmental support for this initiative.

Key Outcomes of the MoU

The agreement reached between PCN and NBTE resolves long-standing issues related to the training of Pharmaceutical Technologists in polytechnics and other educational institutions within Nigeria. By this agreement:

• Accreditation and Training Focus: Going forward, the accreditation and training efforts will be solely concentrated on the National Diploma for Pharmacy Technicians.
• Unified Educational Standards: This move aims to standardize and elevate the quality of education and training for Pharmacy Technicians nationwide.

Commendations and Future Prospects

Both the Executive Secretary of NBTE and the Registrar/CEO of PCN expressed their gratitude towards the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Education for their pivotal role in facilitating and resolving a 22-year-old issue that had been a significant hurdle in pharmaceutical education reform in Nigeria. This achievement is highlighted as a key component of the “renewed hope agenda” of the current administration, reflecting the proactive and focused leadership in the Federal Ministries of Health and Education.

Conclusion

This strategic partnership between PCN and NBTE not only resolves longstanding educational discrepancies but also sets a progressive path for the future of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria. As this new system takes effect, it promises to enhance the qualifications and readiness of future Pharmacy Technicians to meet both national and international standards of healthcare service.

The dedication and cooperation of all parties involved underscore a significant commitment to improving the healthcare education landscape in Nigeria, ensuring that the training of Pharmacy Technicians is robust, standardized, and reflective of current global best practices.