International training of pharmacists and fitness to practice in Nigeria: Emergent issues and novel insights

INTRODUCTION

Pharmacy education and practice vary significantly in different parts of the world. Research into higher education has long concentrated on determining standards and defining the quality of teaching. This study aimed at assessing the suitability of foreign trained pharmacy graduates to practice pharmacy in Nigeria.

METHODS

Paper-based self-completion questionnaires were administered to participants that registered for a certification programme organised for foreign-trained pharmacy graduates. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were undertaking using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.

RESULTS

A total of 83 respondents participated in the study. More than half (53.0%) were females and two-thirds (66.3%) of the study participants were aged 21 to 25. A little above one-third (37.3%) of the study participants studied in Asia, and about three-quarters (73%) had a bachelor of pharmacy qualification. Also, approximately one-quarter (23.21%) of the study participants indicated that pharmacovigilance was not included in their respective curricula, and a similar proportion (23.8%) were of the opinion that there were gaps in their respective curricula. Other aspects of pharmacy where respondents lacked knowledge included clinical pharmacy and dispensing. Similarly, some of the study participants indicated that they had little or no training and experience with respect to issues relating to tropical diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has provided some insights into gaps that exist in foreign training of pharmacists, especially as it pertains to fitness of purpose to practice in Nigeria. Although further research is indicated, these findings provide emergent evidence which can underpin reforms by relevant regulatory and policy entities.