He also charged them to stay up to date with the latest discoveries and apply them in the practice of their profession.
The VC gave the advice on Tuesday in Uyo, the state capital, while speaking at the 22nd Oath Taking and Induction ceremony of the 2020/2021 pharmacy graduates of the institution.
Prof Ndaeyo was represented by the Vice Chancellor Academic Prof Anthony Udo.
“As you take this solemn oath, I would like to remind you of the immense responsibility that you have undertaken. You are ushered into a profession that demands the highest level of ethics, dedication, and professionalism. As a Pharmacist, you are entrusted with the lives of your patients, and your actions have the power to heal or harm.
“Therefore, I urge you not to only take This Oath seriously, but also to be committed to upholding its principles throughout your Pharmaceutical career. Always act in the best interest of your patients and prioritise their well-being above everything else.”
“Remember that you are not just treating a disease, but also caring for persons who may be in their most vulnerable state.”
In his remarks, the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Ahmed, who was represented by Dr. Anthony Idoko, charged the inductees to get themselves acquainted with the code of professional ethics.
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“As Pharmacists, you are expected to get yourselves acquainted with the Code of Professional Ethics which prescribes your professional and moral responsibilities to the patients, pharmacist colleagues, health professionals, your employers and the general public.
“Strict compliance to the code of ethics is indispensable for the practice of the pharmacy profession.
“The Council frowns at professional misconduct in its entirety. So, any form of misconduct by any Pharmacist is usually investigated by the PCN Investigating Panel and if the Pharmacists have a case to answer, he or she is referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal,” he said.