History was made in Copenhagen when the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Community Pharmacy adopted a groundbreaking proposal from Nigeria’s Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) during the 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, held from August 31st to September 3rd, 2025.
At the heart of this milestone was Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman of ACPN, whose presentation, titled Standardization: Career Progression Ratings for Community Pharmacists in Nigeria, spotlighted the urgent need for structured career pathways in community pharmacy. The proposal was not only endorsed but also declared by FIP leadership as a model with global potential.
For decades, community pharmacists in Nigeria have faced a paradox. The role of Superintendent Pharmacist represents both the entry point and the highest attainable rank, creating a career ceiling that stifles motivation and discourages innovation. This lack of differentiation between new and experienced practitioners has contributed to stagnation and has made the field less attractive to young pharmacists.
Ezeh’s presentation introduced a new era with the creation of the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI). This pioneering institution will provide transparent, competency-based assessments while rewarding excellence and creating structured career ladders. It promises to empower pharmacists to deliver more innovative, patient-centered care while ensuring their professional growth keeps pace with global healthcare demands.
The framework goes beyond titles and rankings; it incorporates mentorship opportunities, structured evaluations, interactive training and recognition of practice milestones. By institutionalizing continuous development, CPACPI seeks to retain talent, foster pride in community pharmacy and ultimately improve patient outcomes nationwide.
The adoption of this proposal by the FIP Community Pharmacy marks a defining moment, not just for Nigeria, but for global pharmacy practice. It positions Nigeria as a thought leader in reshaping the future of community pharmacy and underscores the role of structured career progression in building sustainable healthcare systems.
With this breakthrough, Nigerian community pharmacists now stand at the forefront of global health transformation, charting a path that may soon serve as a benchmark for colleagues around the world.
