Kwara sends off first pharmacist interns after restoring accreditation

The Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KW-HMB) has graduated its first batch of pharmacist interns following the restoration of the state’s pharmacist internship accreditation after more than two decades.

The milestone marks the return of the internship programme and is expected to strengthen pharmaceutical services and healthcare workforce development in the state.

Speaking at a send-forth ceremony for the pioneer interns on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, Dr AbdulRaheem Malik, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support and investment in the health sector.

Malik said the successful completion of the internship programme reflected the government’s commitment to improving pharmaceutical services and building the capacity of healthcare professionals across Kwara.

In his welcome address, the Director of Pharmacy at the Hospital Management Board, Mustapha Jimoh, praised the interns for their dedication throughout the programme.

He urged them to uphold the values and professional standards acquired during their training and to serve as worthy ambassadors of the board in their future careers.

Also speaking, the Director of Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health, Gbadamosi Taofiq, congratulated the interns on completing the programme and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and experience gained during their training in their professional practice.

He described the graduates as pioneers who had made history by becoming the first batch of pharmacist interns trained by the board since the restoration of the state’s internship accreditation after more than 20 years.

Speaking on behalf of the interns, the Chief Intern, Mashood Lawal, thanked the management and staff of the Hospital Management Board for providing a conducive learning environment, mentorship and practical exposure throughout the programme.

He said the internship had played a significant role in their professional development and prepared them for the next phase of their careers.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates of completion to the interns by the Chairman of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission, Hajia Habeeba Yusuf, who wished them success in their future endeavours.