The Superintendent Pharmacist position, which serves as the entry point, is also the highest attainable rank.
This meant that, a fresh graduate and a pharmacist with 20 years of experience carried the same professional status.
The lack of recognition demoralized experienced practitioners and discouraged young pharmacists from pursuing community practice.
Without performance metrics, pharmacists were left without benchmarks for growth, and the profession risked complacency and stagnation.
Ezeh explained that this stagnation has contributed to declining interest in community pharmacy among younger professionals, at a time when healthcare systems demand innovation and adaptability from all health workers.
To close this gap, ACPN established an Accreditation and Standardization Committee that birthed the CPACPI model.
The institute now provides the missing framework for career advancement, professional motivation, and continuous quality improvement.
The objectives of CPACPI include introducing assessment and rating systems to measure performance, establishing career progression schemes that reward competence and dedication, and creating professional development opportunities through mentorship, training, and webinars.
It also provides networking and recognition platforms that enhance the visibility and influence of community pharmacists, positioning them for greater impact within the healthcare system.
The adoption of this proposal by FIP marks a historic moment for Nigeria, positioning the country as a thought leader in global pharmacy reforms. It signals a future where pharmacists are not just dispensers of medicines but are recognized as evolving professionals whose growth is tied to improved patient outcomes.