INTRODUCTION

At Bayero University Kano, pharmacy students are known for their resilience, long hours, and determination to conquer one of the toughest academic journeys. But every now and then, a leader emerges from among them, someone who not only endures the rigor but also inspires others to see beyond the textbooks. Meet Nafisat Bello Oniboki, the newly elected Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS-BUK). With her story of discipline, vision, and quiet determination, she’s proving that leadership in pharmacy is as much about empathy and innovation as it is about knowledge.


EARLY LIFE AND INSPIRATION

Nafisat hails from Asa Local Government in Kwara State, but her leadership journey began long before university. Reflecting on her formative years, she credits her time in boarding school for shaping her discipline and sense of responsibility. “Boarding school taught me commitment and focus. It prepared me for the freedom of university life, where you must decide for yourself who you want to become,” she says.


Her path to pharmacy wasn’t straightforward. Initially, it wasn’t a childhood dream but a fate-driven choice. “I wanted to avoid the stress of MBBS, so I picked pharmacy without knowing much about it. But along the way, I discovered how beautiful it is, combining science, health, and innovation. I’ve grown to truly appreciate it.”


LIFE AS A PHARMACY STUDENT

Describing her journey so far, Nafisat doesn’t hold back. “It’s been a rollercoaster of fun, tension, anxiety, depression, and thrilling moments,” she admits with a smile. For her, the greatest joy lies in pushing beyond limits and conquering difficult tasks. “There’s a sugar rush in overcoming challenges. The workload can be tough, but I never give up.”


Her academic interests lean toward Industrial Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, areas where she hopes to bridge theory and practice. She explains, “Formulating tablets, syrups, and suspensions brings pharmacy to life. I also love the teaching aspect of chemistry, though I know I need to sharpen my skills.”


When asked about coping with the workload, she emphasizes self awareness. “Know yourself. Study at your best times, and when you’re tired, rest. I also consult seniors who’ve been there to understand how to prioritize.”


STEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP

For Nafisat, the decision to run for Vice President wasn’t planned... it was encouraged. “A friend asked me, ‘What do you stand to lose?’ and I realized the answer was nothing. So I adopted the Nike spirit: Just Do It.”


As VP, her vision goes beyond academics. She is passionate about mentorship, scholarships, and creating opportunities for students to grow. “Pharmacy is more than lectures. Students should access skills and networks that prepare them for the future,” she insists.


Like every leader, she’s faced challenges. Planning events was particularly daunting at first, but teamwork helped her find her footing. “Thankfully, I have supportive executives who guided me. Together we turned challenges into lessons.”


Her guiding principles? Honesty, transparency, and diligence. “I want students to remember this tenure as educative, impactful, and a path to positive change.”


MAKING IMPACT BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Nafisat’s vision of impact is practical and empathetic. She listens to students’ concerns and seeks realistic solutions. Among her initiatives, she is especially excited about a girls only gathering where female lecturers share their stories. “It’s about inspiring female students to step into leadership and faculty politics with confidence,” she says.


If given the power to change one thing immediately, she’d push for a separate pharmacy academic calendar. “It would help lecturers teach at a manageable pace and students assimilate better, without clashing with the general university calendar.”


THE PERSON BEHIND THE LEADER

Outside the lab coat and leadership meetings, Nafisat is exploring tech. “I enjoy learning data analysis and its applications in healthcare. It’s productive and fun.” She also lightheartedly reveals a hidden talent: “I’m a professional sleeper,” she laughs.


Her father remains her greatest inspiration. “He stays positive in every situation, whether success or failure. His resilience and optimism keep me going.” As for guilty pleasures? She confesses with a grin: “Eating junk food.”


LOOKING AHEAD

Nafisat dreams big. “By God’s will, I see myself managing my own large pharmaceutical company after graduation,” she shares confidently. In the next decade, she envisions herself as a renowned global industrial pharmacist and a leader who uplifts others.


Her advice to younger students is simple but profound: “Stay curious. Don’t just learn pharmacy... embrace tech and other skills. The future belongs to those who combine knowledge across fields.”


CONCLUSION

In a faculty where sleepless nights and rigorous exams often define the student experience, Nafisat Bello Oniboki stands out as a reminder that pharmacy is also about purpose, innovation, and leadership. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and warmth, proof that even in the demanding world of pharmacy, there is room for empathy, creativity, and dreams big enough to change the world.


As PANS-BUK’s new Vice President, she is not just preparing to lead today’s students but also shaping the pharmacists of tomorrow. And if her journey so far is any indication, the future of pharmacy at Bayero University and beyond looks brighter than ever.