As part of the unprecedented strides recorded under the leadership of Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), the association has taken its flagship institute—the Community Pharmacists Career Progression Institute (CPACPI) to the national stage at 'DABO 2025.'
The initiative was formally presented on Thursday, November 6, 2025, by Dr. Iyeseun Olusola Asieba, a consultant clinical pharmacist during the ongoing PSN Conference at the Convention Hall, Bayero University Kano.
CPACPI, established under ACPN, was created to provide a structured, transparent and competency-based assessment system that supports the professional development and career advancement of community pharmacists across Nigeria.
Dr. Asieba said the institute emerged as a response to long-standing stagnation in community pharmacy practice. “In most pharmacy settings, various rating and assessment scales exist to evaluate performance and competence,” she explained. “But in community pharmacy, the Superintendent Pharmacist is both the entry point and the peak. Theoretically, there is no difference between a beginner and an experienced practitioner.”
She noted that this has discouraged young pharmacists. “This lack of differentiation not only demoralizes but encourages complacency,” she said.
The creation of the institute followed ACPN’s decision to set up an accreditation and standardization committee to design a structured pathway for professional growth. “CPACPI is a pioneering institution dedicated to promoting excellence in community pharmacy practice,” Dr. Asieba said. “It empowers community pharmacists to deliver safe, patient-centred and innovative healthcare services.”
Its goals include: Competency-based assessment, Defined career progression, Professional development and Continuous quality improvement. “These objectives shift us from a stagnant system to one where growth is intentional and merit-based,” she added.
Under CPACPI, practitioners will progress through five bands:
· Band 1 — Community Pharmacist
· Band 2 — Senior Community Pharmacist
· Band 3 — Community Pharmacy Specialist
· Band 4 — Community Pharmacy Senior Specialist
· Band 5 — Community Pharmacy Consultant
“With this model, pharmacists can now see a future,” he emphasized. “They can aspire, progress and be recognized.”
Progression will be evaluated across three domains:
1. Professional Knowledge: Years of practice, advanced qualifications, research, mentoring, entrepreneurship.
2. Professional Attributes: Licensure, digital competence, conference attendance, ethical standards, facility quality.
3. Professional Practices: Pharmaceutical care, specialization, PHC contributions, collaboration, venture growth.
“These domains ensure that progression reflects the value added to patient care and the profession,” she said.
She outlined the system’s expected benefits, including: Structured career advancement, Improved clinical and managerial skills, Better patient outcomes, Enhanced recognition & visibility, Stronger professional identity, Networking & partnerships and Greater contribution to public health.
“CPACPI will make community pharmacy a more vibrant, attractive and rewarding career path,” he noted.
Dr. Asieba revealed that ACPN, through CPACPI, is currently pursuing international quality accreditation for licensing and COPA centres through the Safecare/HUGIN collaboration. She also highlighted partnerships with PCN, WAPCP, HUGIN, PSN Foundation, NAPPSA, and several private-sector bodies.
“These collaborations show how far community pharmacy can go when we align with global standards,” she said.
Dr. Asieba urged community pharmacists nationwide to embrace the new framework. “By redefining growth, standards and excellence, we are setting the future of community pharmacy on a stronger, more sustainable foundation,” she concluded.
