The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), University of Benin (UNIBEN) Chapter, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with the PANS Week 2024, themed “Álághodaro: Shaping the Future of the 8-Star Pharmacist.”
The week-long event commenced with a grand opening at Festus Iyayi Hall, featuring a keynote address by pharmacist Justice Omokhuae and a guest speech by pharmacist Ehitare Patrick. Both speakers stressed the importance of professional growth, ethical practices, and innovation in advancing the pharmaceutical profession.
Throughout the celebration, students showcased their skills and creativity. Team Insurmountable emerged victorious in the PharmaSpeak Challenge, a public speaking and debate competition, earning a cash prize of N100,000. In the Golden Designathon, Team Trailblazers won N100,000 for their innovative health-tech solution transforming medical waste into sustainable resources, sponsored by Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Allen Iboi, alumnus of PANS UNIBEN and Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), called for enhanced collaboration and systemic reforms in the pharmaceutical industry. Chief Ken Onuegbu, National Chairman of the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), highlighted Nigeria’s strides in drug manufacturing, stating:
“Our drive to ensure access to medicine is yielding good results. From about 120 drug manufacturing companies four years ago to around 170 today, we are making significant progress. For the first time, an Executive Order signed by the President now allows for the importation of essential production machines and medical devices at zero duty.”
The Golden Jubilee also celebrated PANS UNIBEN’s growth, which now boasts over 20,000 members, with an annual graduation of about 160 pharmacists. PANS President, Clara Ikeboh, expressed gratitude to sponsors, faculty management, and stakeholders, saying:
“In celebrating this 50th anniversary, the success recorded was massive. I am awed by what we achieved together. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making our 50th year anniversary a resounding success.”
The festivities concluded with a dinner night attended by Edo South Senatorial District Senator, Neda Imasuen, marking the golden jubilee as a testament to PANS UNIBEN’s legacy and its vision for the future.
