Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), emphasized the urgent need for structured career progression paths in community pharmacy during his address at the just concluded 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from August 31 to September 3, 2025 with the theme; “Pharmacy forward: Performance, Collaboration and Health Transformation”.

Ezeh spoke extensively on the topic: "Standardization: Career progression ratings for community pharmacists in Nigeria". “In most pharmacy settings, there are various rating, progression, and assessment scales often used to evaluate performance, competence, and professional development. These motivate performance, commitment, and job satisfaction,” he stated.

Ezeh highlighted the concerns surrounding the current status of community pharmacists in Nigeria, underscoring that the Superintendent Pharmacist position serves as both the entry point and highest rank for practitioners. “Theoretically, there is no difference between a beginner and an experienced practitioner,” he explained. “This lack of differentiation not only demoralizes but also encourages stagnation and complacency, fueling reluctance among young pharmacists to choose community pharmacy as a career path.”

To address these issues, the ACPN has established an Accreditation and Standardization Committee, which developed an innovative Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI).

This pioneering institution aims to promote excellence in community pharmacy practice through a structured, transparent, and competency-based assessment and career progression system. “CPACPI empowers community pharmacists to deliver safe, patient-centered, and innovative healthcare services,” Ezeh remarked.

During his presentation, he outlined several challenges currently faced by community pharmacists, including the absence of standardized performance metrics and the evolving healthcare landscape demanding adaptation in their roles. Ezeh identified opportunities to address these challenges through the establishment of a career advancement scheme that motivates professional development and retains talent.

The objectives of the CPACPI include assessment, career progression, professional development, and continuous quality improvement. Ezeh reported on the various benefits that the Community Pharmacists Career Progression Scheme offers, such as interactive webinars and workshops, periodic assessments and evaluations, mentorship opportunities, and documentation of achievements and practice milestones. “This initiative creates networking opportunities and increases professional recognition, ultimately improving patient care and health outcomes,” he added.

In conclusion, Ezeh reiterated the importance of the Community Pharmacists Career Progression Scheme, stating, “This initiative is poised to evaluate, support, and elevate the practice of community pharmacy across Nigeria.” He urged pharmacists to embrace the opportunities presented by this new framework, which promises to enhance their professional visibility and impact in the healthcare sector.