First Pharmacist in Nigeria: History of Pharmacy & Pharmacology

Study Notes

History of Pharmacy in Nigeria

Before the establishment of the pharmacy profession, Nigerians used natural remedies to treat diseases.
In 1887, Mr. Richard Zachues Bailey, a European, operated the first pharmacy shop in Nigeria, located at Balogun Street, Lagos State, and was licensed by the governor-in-council.

Early Dispensers

In 1899, European medical doctors started training dispensers in Nigeria using the apprenticeship method.
Experienced dispensers and reputable pharmaceutical companies were allowed to train others.
Mr. Bailey was an example of an early trainer of dispensers.

Development of Pharmacy Education

By the 1920s, the apprenticeship program could no longer meet the need for pharmacy services in Nigeria, leading to the establishment of a School of Pharmacy at Yaba, Lagos in 1925.
The school trained dispensers, who were later employed in government hospitals.
The first school of dispensers was Yaba Higher College, Lagos, established in 1927.
Another druggist and chemist school was established at Zaria in 1930.

Early Pharmacy Associations

The Association of Dispensers (A.D) was formed in the 1920s by dispensers who came together to sell drugs.
The association is still active today as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (P.S.N), registered in 1956.
In 1947, pharmacists in the civil service formed an association known as the Nigerian Union of Pharmacists, which was dissolved in 1977.

Early Pharmacy Shops

Mr. Joseph Ogunlesi was the first Nigerian to own an indigenous pharmacy shop in Nigeria, located at Victoria Street, Lagos.
The number of pharmacy shops increased significantly from 3 in 1946 to 200 by 1960.

Development of Pharmacy Education (Continued)

In 1957, the School of Pharmacy moved from Yaba Health College to Ibadan as a department under the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (NCAST).
In 1962, the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) took over the program and awarded chemist and druggist diplomas.
The University of Ife started the diploma in pharmacy in 1963 and later awarded the first B.Pharm degree in 1966.
Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U) started its pharmacy program in 1968 and produced its first pharmacy graduates with a B.Sc.Pharm degree in 1975.

Description

Explore the early beginnings of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria, from the establishment of the first pharmacy shop by Mr Richard Zachues Bailey in 1887 to the introduction of licensing by the governor-in-council. Learn about the transition from traditional remedies to modern pharmaceutical practices.