A powerful outreach by PANS-BUK and AMR Club BUK brings hope, knowledge, and inspiration to students of Dorayi Karama Secondary School—guiding them toward meaningful careers in health sciences while raising awareness on the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
On a bright Wednesday morning, October 30, 2025, the atmosphere at Dorayi Karama Secondary School in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano was filled with excitement, curiosity, and a sense of possibility. It wasn’t an ordinary school day—it was a day dedicated to knowledge, inspiration, and hope for a healthier future.
This memorable outreach, themed “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Advocacy and Career Guidance in Health Sciences,” was jointly organized by the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, Bayero University Kano (PANS-BUK) and the Antimicrobial Resistance Club, BUK (AMR Club BUK). Together, teams of passionate pharmacy students set out to inspire young minds and raise awareness on one of the world’s most urgent public health challenges: antimicrobial resistance.
As a Millennium Fellow, this event held deep personal meaning. It was not just about sharing information—it was about empowering the next generation to dream bigger, stay healthier, and become advocates for positive change.
Why We Went: Inspiring Dreams and Protecting Health
The outreach had a dual mission. First, it aimed to ignite curiosity and ambition among secondary school students about career paths in pharmacy and other health sciences. Many of these students have dreams but lack exposure to the diversity and significance of health-related professions.
Second, it sought to educate and empower them to take action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a silent but growing threat to global health. AMR occurs when bacteria and other microbes become resistant to the medicines meant to kill them, often due to misuse or overuse of antibiotics. It’s a problem that affects everyone, from patients in hospitals to farmers in rural communities.
By combining career mentorship with public health education, the program helped students understand not only what they can become, but also the impact they can make.
Exploring Careers in Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The career guidance session began with an engaging talk by Malam Adamu Adamu Sulaiman, President of PANS-BUK. His words brought pharmacy to life, describing pharmacists as “the bridge between medicine and humanity.” He emphasized that pharmacy involves far more than dispensing drugs—it includes ensuring safe and effective use of medicines, leading research for new cures, and promoting public health at all levels.
The team highlighted the diverse roles of pharmacists in hospitals, industries, academia, community practice, and regulatory affairs. Students also learned about other allied health professions such as Medicine, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, and Dentistry, and how these fields work together to deliver quality patient care.
For many students, it was the first time they truly understood how health professionals collaborate to save lives. Practical academic guidance was also provided, including essential O’Level subjects and the importance of performing well in JAMB and Post-UTME examinations.
Understanding AMR: Small Actions, Big Impact
The AMR advocacy session, led by the President of AMR Club BUK, began with a simple question: “Have you ever taken antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription?” Many hands went up—revealing how common the issue is.
AMR was explained in simple, relatable terms: when antibiotics are misused, bacteria learn to resist them, making infections harder to treat. The message was clear—misusing antibiotics today could leave the world without effective treatments tomorrow.
Avoid self-medication. Complete your doses. Never share or reuse antibiotics. Responsible choices protect everyone.
Students learned that fighting AMR is not only a scientific challenge but a collective responsibility that begins with informed decisions.
Interactive Moments and Lasting Impressions
The interactive session was lively, with students asking thoughtful questions about pharmacy training, antibiotic manufacturing, and how to support their communities in preventing antibiotic misuse. Educational gifts rewarded active participation, adding excitement to the experience.
The school principal expressed heartfelt appreciation, commending PANS-BUK and AMR Club BUK for enlightening the students on both career opportunities and life-saving health practices.
Beyond the Day: A Reflection on Impact
As the event ended with a joyful group photograph, it was clear that something meaningful had taken place. This outreach planted seeds of inspiration, ambition, and responsibility in the minds of young students.
The program advanced two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: through promoting responsible antibiotic use.
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: through career guidance and mentorship.
Looking ahead, the commitment remains strong—to expand the initiative, reach more schools, and build a growing network of AMR youth advocates. When young people are informed and inspired, they don’t just dream of a better world—they create it.
Be Informed! Be Inspired! Be the Change!
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