The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it describes as the growing and detrimental dominance of medical doctors in Nigeria’s health and education sectors.
In an open letter dated June 16, 2025, and signed by National Chairman Ambrose Ezeh and Secretary Omokhafe Ashore, the ACPN warned that the monopolisation of leadership roles by physicians poses a threat to national development, inclusive governance, and the morale of other professionals in the sector.
Titled “Call off these bluffs in national interest,” the letter referenced a recent strike by members of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the University of Calabar, protesting the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor. The ACPN also cited a similar case at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where the Federal Ministry of Education nullified the VC appointment following a strike by MDCAN members.
According to the ACPN, physician-dominated unions such as the Nigerian Medical Association, MDCAN, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have grown emboldened due to the Federal Government’s perceived favoritism, particularly between 2015 and 2023. This trend, they claim, has intensified under physician-appointed ministers in both health and education.
The association criticized the longstanding practice of appointing only physicians as Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of federal health institutions — a policy it claims is based on a misinterpretation of the term “medically qualified.” Since 1985, the group noted, only doctors have occupied these leadership roles, sidelining other health professionals.
They further condemned the passage of the Federal Medical Centre Bill by the Ninth National Assembly, which was signed into law in 2023 without a public hearing and mandates that only those registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria may be appointed as MDs/CEOs of Federal Medical Centres.
The ACPN also raised concerns over recent strike threats by physicians over VC appointments, alleging that many doctors do not possess the required academic qualifications such as a Ph.D., yet resist legitimate academic selection processes.
In addition, the association expressed disappointment with the Federal Ministry of Health for excluding pharmacists from critical drug procurement initiatives, including the MEDIPOOL project. It reiterated its call for the establishment of a Federal Drug Management Agency to standardize medicine procurement and distribution nationwide.
The letter emphasized that achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria remains difficult due to systemic barriers rooted in professional bias and exclusion.
The ACPN urged President Tinubu to act decisively:
> “We strongly demand a presidential intervention to compel the government to fulfill its stewardship responsibilities. Appointments in non-clinical sectors must not be skewed toward one professional group, while other skilled personnel are marginalized.”
The association warned that continued subjugation of non-physician professionals is affecting morale among young people and could hinder national progress.
> “National growth, development, and transformation will stall if the Federal Government does not address this unjustified dominance by a privileged class of civil servants who are allowed to dictate terms across the board.”
The pharmacists concluded by urging the President to act swiftly in the interest of equity and national development.
…by Ani Juliana.
informed on ACPN’s urgent plea for balanced leadership in Nigeria’s health and education sectors. Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng to read more and support equitable national progress.
Ani Juliana, is A 300l student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka,
With the passion for content writing and Copywriting.
