By Emamuzo Iboma
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the federal government of enabling the continued dominance of physicians in Nigeria’s health and education sectors. In a strongly worded memorandum signed by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, the ACPN condemned what it described as the institutionalized marginalization of non-physician health professionals across the country.
The association alleged that the government has yielded to pressure from physician-led groups such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). Citing recent incidents at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), the ACPN claimed that physician-lecturers and administrators influenced key appointments in violation of regulations requiring Vice Chancellors to hold Ph.D. qualifications, which many medical doctors reportedly lack.
The pharmacists also raised concerns about systemic favoritism in high-level appointments including hospital chief medical directors, university provosts, and other leadership roles. They claimed physicians often dominate these positions through intimidation and political pressure. The ACPN noted that physician-lecturers who also serve as hospital consultants earn nearly double the salaries of their non-physician counterparts, despite having similar qualifications.
Highlighting operational challenges in federal health institutions, the group said many facilities are experiencing power outages due to unpaid bills, and accused physician chief executives of incompetence and abuse of authority. A recent case cited involved a senior pharmacist at the Specialist Hospital, Irrua, who was reportedly sanctioned for opposing unethical drug procurement practices.
The association also criticized the exclusion of pharmacists from key healthcare programs, including vaccine distribution, despite their successful role in the COVID-19 response. It raised concerns over the lack of transparency in drug procurement processes and advocated for the creation of a Federal Drug Management Agency to ensure supply chain integrity.
The ACPN urged President Tinubu to issue a directive ending physician dominance in roles not directly related to clinical medicine, warning that continued exclusion and suppression of other health professionals could discourage young Nigerians from pursuing careers in healthcare. It stressed that national progress depends on fostering a more inclusive and equitable health system.
The ACPN’s statement underscores longstanding tensions in Nigeria’s health and education sectors, which have faced persistent industrial actions, policy reversals, and professional rivalries. As of press time, the federal government had not issued an official response.
