Basic Admission Requirements for Studying Pharmacy in Nigeria

A pharmacist is trained and educated for a wide range of scientific, professional and managerial functions which best serve the needs of the community and possess sufficient adaptability to meet the demands and challenges of a changing health care delivery system.

Get facts about basic admission requirements for studying pharmacy in Nigeria, accredited universities for pharmacy programmes in Nigeria, pharmacy curriculum and core courses in pharmacy.

Admission Requirements for Studying Pharmacy in Nigeria

WAEC subject combination/ requirements for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates

A candidate who wishes to study pharmacy is expected to have five (5) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) credit passes in

• English Language
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry and
• Biology

This subject combination is also applicable to other O’ level examinations such as National Examination Council (NECO) and General Certificate Examination (GCE) also known as WAEC GCE.

A-level subject/ result requirements for Direct Entry candidates

In addition to the required WAEC subject combination for pharmacy, Direct Entry candidates are required to have Three (3)“A” level passes in Chemistry, Biology/Zoology and Physics or Mathematics.

JAMB UTME Subjects combination/ requirements for Pharmacy

• Use of English (compulsory)
• Physics
• Chemistry and
• Biology.

Other Considerations include: –

• University of Ilorin, Niger Delta University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Uyo require the five O-level credit passes in not more than two sittings.
• For Direct Entry: Ensure that you have a Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or a related field.

UTME cut-off marks for pharmacy

While the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has the power to set UTME cut-off marks for universities, some schools may have an understanding with JAMB to increase or decrease cut off marks due to personal school policy. It is worth mentioning that UTME cut-off mark is different from departmental cut-off mark or what is often referred to as Post UTME cut-off mark.

The Post UTME cut-off is usually higher than UTME cut-off mark and it varies form from institution to institution. The higher your Post UTME score, the greater your chances are of getting into the university. But even a perfect Post UTME score is no guarantee of admission at the most selective institutions especially if your UTME score is poor.

To be on a safer side it is advisable that you score high in both UTME and Post UTME.

Read Also: How To Become A Pharmacist in 4 Steps

Accredited Universities for Pharmacy Programmes in Nigeria

According to Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the following schools are accredited for training of pharmacists in Nigeria

1. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
2. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos State
3. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
4. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
5. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State
6. Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
7. Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State
8. Faculties of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
9. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
10. Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
11. Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State
12. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State
13. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
14. Faculty of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State
15. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
16. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
17. Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.
18. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.
19. Faculty of Pharmacy, Gombe State University, Gombe, Gombe State.
20. Faculty of Pharmacy, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State.

Pharmacy Curriculum

Any professional curriculum must be based upon a firm foundation of basic courses.  In Pharmacy, these are courses in the physical and biological sciences. The understanding of the biological action of drugs requires knowledge of the fundamental principles of human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. A good appreciation of mathematics as applied to biological and physiochemical systems is required.

Core Courses in Pharmacy

An important phenomenon in pharmacy is that the degree course is an integrated study of the pharmaceutical sciences. Traditionally, at least four core subjects have been studied, but the boundaries between them are not distinct as emphasis is placed on their interrelationships.

Students complete the following core courses to earn Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm.) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from accredited institutions:

1. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
2. Pharmacognosy
3. Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmaceutical Microbiology
4. Pharmacology
5. Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy
6. Pharmacy Practice and Management

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The study of the structure and properties of chemical substances of natural and synthetic origin which are used in medicine, and the relationship of these structures to biological activity.  This study includes physical, inorganic, organic, analytical, synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and physical instrumentation.

Pharmacognosy

The study of the biology, biochemistry, purification, analysis, and commerce of natural (plant and animal) drugs.

Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmaceutical Microbiology

The study and application of physical and chemical properties of substances used in medicine to the formulation and production of medicinal products. It includes the study of pharmaceutical formulations and dispensing, technology, pharmaceutical microbiology, physical and forensic pharmacy.

Pharmacology

The study of the biological action and use of drugs. It includes the study of human diseases and their chemotherapy, the uses and side effects of drugs and what the body does to the drugs.

Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy

This is the area of pharmacy training with emphasis on drug administration, drug performance, drug interactions and drug supplies to the users.  In practice, it is patient-oriented and includes not only the dispensing of required medications but also advising the patient on the proper use of all medications.  It also prepares the future pharmacist to play the proper role as an information source and adviser to the other health professionals on all matters related to drugs and their dosage forms and toxicity.

Biopharmacy is the aspect which deals with the properties of the drug dosage forms in the body as they affect the bioavailability and hence therapeutic effectiveness.

Pharmacy Practice and Management

It entails basic instructions in general administration and management principles, pharmacy business administrations and the principles and practices of business and law, as they apply to pharmacy practices.

Note: All pharmacy students receive instructions on the national existing laws affecting the practice of pharmacy (forensic pharmacy), and on the Ethics of Pharmacy Profession.

Hope this article serves as a course guide to studying pharmacy. If you have any more questions as regards the basic admission requirements for studying pharmacy in Nigeria do not hesitate to ask using the comment section. Also, check out our article on Career Opportunities for Pharmacists.