GENERAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE PHARMACY PROGRAMME
Pharmacy may be defined as that profession concerned with the art and science of preparing from natural (plants, animals, minerals, microorganisms, etc.) and synthetic sources, suitable materials and medicaments for use in the treatment and prevention of diseases. A thorough knowledge of the formulation procedures, storage, distribution and safe use of these medicinal preparations is subsumed in the above definition. Pharmacy is therefore a science based profession which is strongly predicated on studies in the areas of the pure and applied physical, chemical and biological and technological sciences.
The general philosophy of Pharmacy richly endowed education is to produce and develop well educated persons – (i.e. persons developed in knowledge, mind and character). The ultimate objective of any professional education is to produce practitioners with adequate knowledge and skills who will provide professional and useful service to the fatherland and mankind. The undergraduate education in pharmacy is designed and intended to prepare students for the profession of pharmacy. The philosophy of pharmacy education borders on the establishment of standards to ensure quality pharmacy education.
THE THRUST OF THE FACULTY
- Pharmacists are trained and educated for a wide range of scientific, professional and managerial functions, which best serve, the needs of the community; and possess sufficient adaptability to meet the demands and challenges of a changing health care delivery system. Summarily put, pharmacy education must be directed towards providing competency for performing all pharmaceutical services and these involve
- The ability to source for drug materials.
- Preparing the drug in the form suitable for administration.
- Ensuring total quality assurance for the final product, and raw materials.
- Drug distribution to accredited and qualified customers.
- Surveillance procedures aimed at minimizing misuse and abuse.
- Providing professional information on drugs at various levels of health care delivery.
- Organizing educational activities through seminars, workshops aimed at enhancing pharmaceutical knowledge.
The following have been considered as appropriate competencies which, when acquired by the student will give adequate professional recognition for the various services. Consequently, the Faculty is structured to deliver the following areas of trainings.
(i) Procurement, storage and dispensing of drugs.
(ii) Preparation, compounding, packaging, and quality controls of drugs and medicaments.
(iii) Monitoring drug utilization by patients.
(iv) Educating patients concerning appropriate use of their prescription and non-prescription medication.
(v) Providing drug information to other health professionals e.g. veterinarians and physicians.
(vi) Collecting and evaluating data from the patient, other health care professionals, the literature and past experience as an aid to drug therapy judgment.
(vii) Reviewing scientific publications in order to maintain and add to acquired professional knowledge.
Since none of the departments in the Faculty of Pharmacy gives separate degrees, a single structuring for all departments should be the goal so as to fully integrate all materials. The strict avoidance of inadequate preparation for all courses and elimination of duplication or overlaps from course to course would save much study time.
DEANSHIP OF THE FACULTY
The Faculty has been administered by eminent Pharmacists, with the current Dean as Professor Udoma E. Mendie, a Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Microbiologist.Other previous Deans include:
Prof. E. E. Essien – College Dean, (1983-1989); Prof. Fola Tayo – College Dean, (1989-1995); Prof. N. D. Ifudu – College Dean, (1995-1998); Faculty Dean, (2007-2009); Prof. (Mrs.) C. I. Igwilo – Faculty Dean, (2001-2003); Prof. H. A. B. Coker – College Dean, (1998-2001); Faculty Dean, (2003-2007; 2009-2011).
FACULTY VISION STATEMENT
To be a world class Pharmacy Educational establishment for the Training of Top Class Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists at undergraduate and postgraduate levels through learning and research as well as in character and service to humanity.
FACULTY MISSION STATEMENT
To serve as source of manpower development for Nigeria’s Healthcare Needs and Delivery System, the Pharmaceutical Industries, and mankind in general.
DEPARTMENTAL STRUCTURE IN PHARMACY
Any professional curriculum must be based upon a firm foundation of basic courses. In Pharmacy, these are courses in the physical and biological sciences. The understanding of the biological action of drugs requires knowledge of the fundamental principles of human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. A good appreciation of mathematics as applied to biological and physiochemical systems is required.
An important phenomenon in pharmacy is that the degree course is an integrated study of the pharmaceutical sciences. Traditionally, at least four core subjects have been studied, but the boundaries between them are not distinct as emphasis is placed on their interrelationships. Basic to all pharmacy professional curricula are offerings in:
The study of the structure and properties of Chemical substances of natural and synthetic origin which are used in medicine, and the relationship of these structures to biological activity. This study includes physical, inorganic, organic, analytical, synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and physical instrumentation.
The study of the biology, biochemistry, purification, analysis, and commerce of natural (plant and animal) drugs.
Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology
The study and application of physical and physicochemical properties of substances used in medicine to the formulation and production of medicinal products. It includes the study of pharmaceutical formulations and dispensing, technology; quality assurance and controls.
In this area of Pharmacy, the interactions between microorganisms and drug products are elaborately investigated. It covers drug productions and quality controls in sterile and non-sterile products; and biotechnological techniques as applied in production of modern drugs.
The study of the biological action and use of drugs. It includes the study of human diseases and their chemotherapy, the uses, side effects of drugs and what the body does to the drugs.
Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy
This is the area of pharmacy training with emphasis on drug administration, drug performance and interactions, and drug supplies to the users. In practice, it is patient-oriented and includes not only the dispensing of required medication, but also advising the patient on the proper use of all medications. It also prepares the future pharmacist to play the proper role as an information source and adviser to the other health professionals on all matters related to drugs and their dosage forms and toxicity. Biopharmacy is the aspect which deals with the properties of the drug dosage forms in the body as they affect the bioavailability and hence therapeutic effectiveness.
Pharmacy Practice and Management
Instructions in general administration and management principles, pharmacy business administrations and the principles and practices of business and law, as they apply to pharmacy practices.
Finally all pharmacy students receive instructions on the national existing laws affecting the practice of pharmacy (forensic pharmacy), and on the Ethics of Pharmacy Profession. The pharmacists trained by this programme will be able to apply proficiently the theoretical and practical knowledge of the sciences listed above, and will be competent to work in the Pharmaceutical industry, hospital and primary health care, teaching, research, and community pharmacy services.