By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Lagos State chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called for greater investment in continuous education and digital innovation as key drivers for strengthening healthcare delivery. The pharmacists are also pushing to expand their professional roles beyond traditional drug dispensing.
These priorities took centre stage at the association’s 2026 Continuing Education Conference, where experts explored the convergence of education, technology, and patient-centred care. The event was themed, “Advancing Community Pharmacy Practice through Technology, Collaboration and Expanded Services.”
In a statement released on Sunday, the ACPN highlighted the growing need for community pharmacists to embrace new competencies. The association’s Lagos chairman, Tolulope Ajayi, described the conference as a vital platform for capacity building and professional growth.
“The Continuing Education Conference is our flagship programme. It is designed to help pharmacists upskill, deepen their knowledge, and elevate the quality of services they offer,” Ajayi said.
He noted that lifelong learning is essential to improving health outcomes, and that the conference also fosters collaboration among healthcare stakeholders. “It brings pharmacists together to learn, share experiences, and discuss practical ways to enhance healthcare delivery. Collaboration is key because everyone in the health sector is ultimately focused on outcomes,” he added.
Ajayi further observed that pharmacy practice has evolved significantly, with pharmacists now playing broader clinical roles. “Pharmacy has moved beyond just dispensing medicines. Today, pharmacists are actively involved in counselling, consultations, immunisations, and other clinical services,” he said.
