BY KABIRU BASIRU FULATAN
In his usual way of encouraging young professionals to remain steadfast and glued to professional ethics, Dr Najib Usman charges graduands who graduated as Pharmacists from Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria, to stick to professional standard during practice.
He made the call, today, as a representative of parents/guardians, during Oath-Taking/Induction ceremony that took place at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, of the university, for the brand new Pharmacists, before the Vice Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed and Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Mohammed Garba Magaji, among many other dignitaries.
Commending the university he said “… we entrusted our children to you. Today you returned them to us as professionals. Thank you.”
He reminded parents, guardians and students that, “Behind every name in this programme is a story, that is not written here. A story of sacrifice, school fees, prayers, phone calls, encouragement, setbacks and sometimes simply saying “keep going.”
Emphasizing that, “About twelve years ago, I was also a graduand of this great university. Today, I
return not as the graduand, but as a proud brother, watching Salim Ibrahim take his own place among ABU graduates.”
Referring to his brother Salim and other graduands he said, “And Salim, if there is one thing I want you to know today, it is this: we saw the struggle, we saw the perseverance, and we could not be prouder of the man you have become.”
Dr Usman reminded them that, “The certificate you have earned gives you a profession. The Oath you have taken gives you a responsibility. But it is your character that will determine the Pharmacist you become.”
On behalf of the parents and guardians he urged them that, “From today, people will come to you at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. They may forget your name.They may never know your grades. But they will remember whether you treated them with competence, honesty and compassion.”
Urging that, “Never allow the pursuit of profit to become more important than the patient before you. Never stop learning simply because you have finished school. And wherever life takes you, remember the families who believed in you and the institution that prepared you.”
“Today, as parents and guardians, we are proud to say: We brought our children to ABU, and today ABU gives society Pharmacists. May you practise with knowledge in your minds, compassion in your hearts and integrity in your hands. On behalf of all parents and guardians, congratulations to the Pharmacy
Graduands of the 2025/2026 session,” he said on behalf of the parents and guardians.
At a standing ovation he concluded that, “May this not be the greatest day of your lives. May it simply be the beginning of greater one. So go forth. Serve with integrity. Make us proud. Go and conquer, and take your rightful place in the world.“
