Polytechnics That Offers Pharmacy In Nigeria
Pharmacy education in Nigeria is fully regulated by both the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the Nigeria University Commission (NUC). Pharmacy students can obtain a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree after five years of study or a Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree after six years of study. As of now, about 25 universities in Nigeria offer the Pharmacy program, with only five offering the PharmD program.
Pharmacy Technician Education In Nigeria
Polytechnics in Nigeria do not offer the Pharmacy program, but they offer a related course called Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy technicians are licensed healthcare providers who work with pharmacists to perform pharmacy-related functions. The study program for Pharmacy Technician takes two years to complete, after which the student is awarded a National Diploma (ND) in Pharmaceutical Technologist. However, a student can opt to continue the program for another two years to obtain a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Pharmaceutical Technologist.
Difference Between Pharmacy And Pharmacy Technician
While students who study Pharmacy in the University are called Pharmacists, students who study Pharmacy Technician in any Polytechnic in Nigeria are called “Pharmacist Assistant,” “Technician,” or Pharmaceutical Technologist. Pharmacy students in the university receive either the B.Pharm or both B.Pharm and PharmD certificates, while students who study Pharmacy Technician in Polytechnics receive only the National Diploma.
Polytechnics In Nigeria That Offer Pharmacy Technician Program
Currently, only five polytechnics in Nigeria offer Pharmacy Technician
- Kano State Polytechnic
- Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri
- Ogun State Polytechnic (formerly Moshood Abiola Polytechnic)
- Edo State Polytechnic
- College of Health Technology Ilesa, Osun State
Requirements For Studying Pharmacy Technician In Polytechnics
To be admitted into any of the aforementioned Polytechnics to study Pharmaceutical Technology, you must meet the following requirements:
- O’level result (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB) with a minimum of five credit passes (C6 and above) in your five Pharmacy core subjects
- JAMB score of at least 120 and above
- JAMB subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Use of English
- WAEC subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English Language.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many years does it take to study Pharmacy Technician? Pharmacy Technician takes two years to study for the National Diploma and an additional two years to obtain the Higher National Diploma, making the total duration four years.
- Is Pharmacy Technology the same as Pharmacy? No, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technologist are different. Pharmacy is studied in the university and leads to a B.Pharm or PharmD degree, while Pharmaceutical Technologist is studied in Polytechnics and leads to an ND or HND certificate.
