A new professional development initiative aimed at transforming career progression for community pharmacists has gained growing global support following a major stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.
The initiative, known as the Community Pharmacist Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI), is designed to create a structured pathway for professional growth within community pharmacy practice in Nigeria and across the global healthcare sector.
The framework received international recognition after it was endorsed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation during its 83rd World Congress held in Copenhagen, marking a significant milestone for the development of community pharmacy practice worldwide.
The endorsement was announced during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held on March 5, 2026, at Newton Park Hotel and Resort in Abuja, where leaders in the pharmacy profession, government regulators, development partners and private sector stakeholders gathered to strengthen collaboration around the initiative.
Speaking at the meeting, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, said the initiative would strengthen healthcare delivery by providing a clear structure for professional development among community pharmacists.
He noted that pharmacists remain among the most accessible healthcare professionals, explaining that a significant number of patients often seek medical advice from pharmacists before visiting hospitals.
Ezeh also recalled the critical role community pharmacists played during the global outbreak of COVID-19, particularly in ensuring access to medicines and frontline healthcare support.
According to him, the CPACPI initiative is designed to evaluate and enhance the competence of community pharmacists while promoting professional confidence, quality healthcare delivery and job satisfaction within the sector.
Chairman of the CPACPI Board, Iyeseun Asieba, said the initiative was developed in response to growing challenges within the healthcare system, including the migration of skilled professionals popularly referred to as the “Japa” trend.
She explained that the programme aims to transform community pharmacies from traditional drug outlets into structured clinical healthcare hubs integrated into the primary healthcare system.
Asieba added that the CPACPI framework focuses on three major pillars—capacity building, quality improvement and structured career progression for pharmacists.
Providing further insight into the initiative, Professor Emeka Ubaka presented a comprehensive career progression roadmap for community pharmacists, describing it as the first of its kind globally.
The framework introduces four professional career levels including Community Pharmacist, Senior Community Pharmacist, Senior Community Pharmacist Specialist and Consultant Pharmacist.
According to Ubaka, advancement across these levels will depend on continuous professional development, measurable competence and objective assessment processes.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Peter Agada highlighted the role community pharmacists can play in strengthening primary healthcare delivery by expanding access to disease prevention, treatment and patient support services.
The event also recognised several industry leaders and private sector stakeholders supporting innovation and professional excellence within community pharmacy practice.
Among those honoured were Chidi Dozie, Ikechukwu John Ugwu, Josephine Ehimen and Jaiyesimi Obajimi.
The meeting also attracted participation from key health sector institutions including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria and the World Health Organization, alongside development partners and private sector organisations.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised that sustained collaboration between government agencies, regulatory institutions, development partners and the pharmaceutical community would be critical to the successful implementation of the CPACPI framework.
They also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders to provide the legislative, financial and institutional support needed to sustain the initiative and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo