The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has unveiled a structured career progression pathway aimed at ending stagnation in Nigeria’s community pharmacy sector and making the profession more attractive to young pharmacists.
Speaking at the 83rd International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences held in Copenhagen, Denmark, the National Chairman of ACPN, Ambrose Ezeh, said the absence of a defined career structure has stifled innovation, discouraged young professionals, and left the practice “largely stagnant.”
“Today, there is virtually no distinction between a beginner and an experienced community pharmacist,” Ezeh said. “Without clear growth opportunities, many talented professionals are abandoning community pharmacy altogether”.
During the session themed “Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration and Health Transformation”, Ezeh presented a paper titled “Standardization: Career Progression Ratings for Community Pharmacists in Nigeria.” His proposal received unanimous endorsement from the FIP Community Pharmacy Section, a milestone he described as a “historic step towards global recognition of Nigerian pharmacy innovation”.
Chairing the session, Sheriff Guorgui, the FIP Community Pharmacy Section head, hailed Nigeria’s model as a blueprint for global pharmacy transformation, stating it represents “the way forward for community pharmacists worldwide.”
To drive this vision, the ACPN has established the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI)—a dedicated body to standardize career advancement and reward excellence.
The framework will:
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Introduce transparent, competency-based progression ratings
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Recognize both experience and patient-centered care expertise
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Provide continuous professional development opportunities
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Foster mentorship and periodic evaluations
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Document practice milestones for accountability and growth
Ezeh stressed that the CPACPI model seeks to motivate performance, elevate professional standards, and restore confidence in community pharmacy as a viable and rewarding career path.
With FIP’s endorsement, the ACPN hopes to collaborate with regulators, policymakers, and academia to integrate the model nationwide. According to Ezeh, this reform has the potential to reshape community pharmacy practice, retain young talent, and position Nigeria as a global reference point for pharmacy career development.
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