National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) and the Council of HND Holders for the Advancement of Polytechnic Education in Nigeria (COHAPEN) have supported the Federal Government’s decision to scrap the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Pharmacy Technology in the country.
At a joint press conference held yesterday at the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Secretariat, Kaduna, the groups described the policy as a step in the right direction to safeguard standards in pharmaceutical training and practice.
COHAPEN national president, Comrade Ridwan Munirudeen, and NAPS vice president, Comrade Aliyu Yusuf, said the scrapping aligns with the regulatory framework of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and guarantees the integrity of the profession.
They, however, welcomed the continuation of the National Diploma (ND) in Pharmacy Technicians programme, saying it would strengthen manpower needs in the health sector while aligning with global best practices.
The groups urged students, administrators and institutions affected by the policy to comply fully with the directive in good faith, warning that resistance or non-compliance would only trigger unnecessary confrontation with regulatory agencies.
They also assured students currently enrolled in the HND programme that their welfare would not be neglected, as efforts were ongoing to work with the Ministry of Education, NBTE and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
NAPS announced that with immediate effect, no institution is permitted to admit new students into the HND Pharmacy Technology programme, stressing that only those already in the system are allowed to complete their studies.
The students’ body further disclosed that its task force on regulation and enforcement would begin monitoring campuses to ensure compliance with the directive.
While reaffirming their support for the federal government and NBTE, the groups urged calm and cooperation from all stakeholders, insisting that the move was in the best interest of students, the profession and the country at large.
They vowed to continue advocating for policies that would strengthen Nigeria’s polytechnic system, protect students’ future and uphold professionalism in the nation’s education sector.
