Nigeria’s community pharmacy sector has gained international recognition following the adoption of a groundbreaking proposal from the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) at the just-concluded 83rd International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The global congress, which held from August 31 to September 3, 2025, brought together thousands of pharmacists, policymakers, and healthcare leaders under the theme “Pharmacy Forward: Performance, Collaboration and Health Transformation.”
At the event, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, presented a paper titled “Standardization: Career Progression Ratings for Community Pharmacists in Nigeria.” His presentation addressed the urgent need to introduce a structured career progression system for community pharmacists, a move he described as vital for professional motivation, retention, and improved healthcare delivery.
Ezeh observed that the current practice structure in Nigeria has significant gaps, particularly the fact that the role of Superintendent Pharmacist serves as both the entry point and highest attainable position in the field. He argued that the absence of clear career pathways discourages young graduates from pursuing community pharmacy and creates stagnation for those already in practice.
To tackle these concerns, Ezeh revealed that ACPN had inaugurated an Accreditation and Standardization Committee, which developed the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI). The institute is designed to set standards, evaluate competencies, and provide opportunities for career advancement.
“The initiative will strengthen pharmacy practice by introducing transparent, merit-based assessments, continuous professional development, and mentorship that recognizes milestones in practice,” he explained. He emphasized that CPACPI would help pharmacists deliver safer, patient-centered, and innovative services.
His proposal was well received and formally adopted by the FIP Community Pharmacy Section. Session chairman, Mr. Sheriff Guorgui, endorsed the Nigerian initiative as a model for the future, stating that the framework was “the way to go for community pharmacists” and could serve as a blueprint for global adoption.
The ACPN leader also highlighted the broader benefits of the proposed system, noting that it would not only uplift professional standards but also improve healthcare outcomes for Nigerians through better quality service delivery in community pharmacies.
The adoption of this framework marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. It positions the country as a contributor to global best practices in pharmacy and underscores the role of Nigerian professionals in shaping the future of healthcare delivery worldwide.
With this achievement, ACPN has sent a strong message that Nigeria’s voice in healthcare reform is both relevant and impactful. The body is urging pharmacists across the country to seize the opportunities presented by the career progression framework to strengthen the profession and better serve the public.