Pharmacists Petition Tinubu Over Medical Monopoly in Health, Education Sectors

…Pharmacists accuse doctors of hijacking key public institutions

…Petition Tinubu to end systemic exclusion of professionals

…Demand creation of Federal Drug Agency for equity in healthcare

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The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised the alarm over what it describes as the growing domination of medical doctors in the health and education sectors, accusing the Federal Government of enabling systemic exclusion and blackmail tactics against other health professionals.

In a letter dated June 16, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the association warned that unless the trend is halted, Nigeria’s institutional growth and professional equity will remain stunted.

The letter, titled “Call Off These Bluffs In National Interest,” was signed by the National Chairman of ACPN, Mr Ambrose Ezeh, and the National Secretary, Mr Omokhafe Ashore.

Medical Protests, Policy Capture

The pharmacists pointed to the recent protest by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the University of Calabar, where doctors went on strike over the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor. A similar incident occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where the Federal Ministry of Education reversed an appointment after pressure from MDCAN.

According to ACPN, these incidents reflect a broader pattern where medical professionals leverage threats of industrial action to control leadership positions in sectors beyond their academic competence.

“The ineptitude of the FG to succumb to this shameful blackmail leaves a sour taste in the mouth,” the letter read.

Forty Years of Exclusion

The group criticised a long-standing misinterpretation of appointment rules that has, since 1985, ensured only physicians are appointed as Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of federal health institutions.

“In Nigeria, contrary to the dictates of common sense, only physicians are designated as CMDs/CEOs of FHIs since 1985. They wrongly interpreted the condition precedent for such appointments as implying that only physicians meet the eligibility criterion of being ‘medically qualified’,” the pharmacists wrote.

They also condemned the Ninth National Assembly for passing a bill without public hearing  which now mandates that only personnel registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria can become CMDs of Federal Medical Centres.

Accusations Against Ministers

The association accused Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, of backing what it described as a culture of blackmail by physicians to occupy academic posts they are not qualified for, particularly Vice-Chancellor positions, which require PhDs.

“Most of these physicians have professional qualifications of fellowships and not PhDs, which are academic qualifications,” the letter stated. “Most public sector appointments have strict conditions precedent, which make the appointment lawful.”

The association also criticised the Ministry of Health for failing to include pharmacists in strategic programmes such as the MEDIPOOL drug procurement initiative.

Demand for Federal Drug Agency

ACPN renewed its call for the creation of a Federal Drug Management Agency, to standardise pharmaceutical supply chains and eliminate inefficiencies caused by physician-led systems.

They argued that without equitable involvement of professionals like pharmacists, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will remain unattainable.