In a move that has sparked widespread professional debate within Nigeria’s health sector, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has strongly opposed the proposed establishment of a University of Medicine and Health Sciences, describing its intended name as “misleading, discriminatory, and professionally insensitive.” According to the PSN, the nomenclature not only violates the principles of inclusiveness among health professionals but also undermines the value and recognition of other medical-related disciplines such as pharmacy, nursing, medical laboratory science, and physiotherapy.
The pharmacists’ body emphasized that while they fully support the idea of expanding access to health education through the creation of new universities, they reject any institutional naming or structure that places medicine above other health professions.
PSN’s Position: The Issue Is in the Name
Speaking on behalf of the association, PSN President, Professor Cyril Ayuba Tanko, stated that naming a university “University of Medicine and Health Sciences” sends a wrong message that medicine is superior to all other health disciplines. He argued that such a name fosters a culture of hierarchy and inequality in the health system—something the country should be working to correct, not reinforce.
According to Tanko, the name is “a misnomer that portrays a sense of professional dominance” and could have psychological effects on students pursuing careers in other health-related fields. He added that students in pharmacy, nursing, or medical laboratory science might feel marginalized or inferior under a name that elevates medicine as the focal point of the institution.
A Question of Equality and Inclusion
The PSN emphasized that every health professional—be it a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, radiographer, or laboratory scientist—plays a vital role in the nation’s healthcare delivery system. By naming a university primarily after “medicine,” it gives an impression that other health professions are secondary, thereby diminishing the collective importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in modern healthcare.
Tanko highlighted that the healthcare sector thrives on teamwork, and this sense of unity should be reflected even at the educational level. He noted that inclusive names such as “University of Health Sciences” or “University of Allied Health Professions” better capture the collaborative spirit that defines the health industry globally.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns Raised
Beyond the professional and moral objections, the PSN also argued that the naming pattern could amount to discrimination, citing Sections 42(A) and (B) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which prohibit any form of discrimination based on ethnicity, social status, or professional affiliation.
The association maintained that in a country striving for equality and national unity, institutional naming should avoid promoting exclusivity or superiority of one profession over another. They urged the relevant authorities to consider the broader implications of such a naming decision, especially on inter-professional relationships within the health sector.
Examples of Inclusive Institutions
The PSN cited several existing models that demonstrate more balanced and inclusive naming conventions. One such example is the University of Health Sciences, Makurdi, located in Benue State, which encompasses multiple health disciplines without placing one above the other.
Tanko recalled that the trend of establishing “Universities of Medical Sciences” began with the creation of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED) under the administration of former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. While acknowledging that UNIMED has contributed greatly to Nigeria’s health education landscape, he warned against repeating the same pattern without reflection on its symbolic implications.
Professional Identity and Future Implications
Experts within the PSN warn that the naming issue could have far-reaching implications on professional identity, student motivation, and career progression within the health sector. If medicine continues to dominate the branding of health institutions, it may lead to long-term challenges in achieving equal representation and recognition for other vital professions.
Tanko stressed that pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other health professionals deserve equal recognition in academia, as all their disciplines contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery, research, and innovation.
He explained that this is not a fight against medicine or doctors, but a campaign for fairness, respect, and the institutional acknowledgment that healthcare is a team effort, not a one-profession affair.
PSN’s Recommendations to the Government
The PSN has urged the Federal Government, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant authorities to revisit the proposed university’s name before its official establishment. The association recommended adopting titles that better reflect inclusiveness, such as:
- University of Health and Allied Sciences
- University of Health Professions
- National University of Health Sciences
These, they said, would promote a balanced academic environment and foster mutual respect among all healthcare practitioners.
The pharmacists also called for an urgent review of government policies guiding the creation of specialized universities, ensuring that they reflect equity, diversity, and modern trends in global health education.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
The PSN’s position has stirred discussions across Nigeria’s health sector. Several professionals in nursing, public health, and physiotherapy have expressed support for the pharmacists’ stance, describing the issue as “long overdue.”
Many argued that professional hierarchy in Nigeria’s health system often begins from the training level, where certain professions are given priority over others. Therefore, they see this as an opportunity for the government to set a new precedent that encourages unity, equality, and inter-professional respect.
On the other hand, some medical practitioners believe the controversy is unnecessary, stating that “University of Medicine and Health Sciences” does not automatically imply exclusion, as the term “Health Sciences” already encompasses other disciplines. However, the PSN insists that language and perception matter greatly in defining institutional culture.
