By: Dawud Ocheni
Every association has someone who carries its message, shapes its public image, and ensures its voice reaches every student. In PANS-BUK, that person is Ismail Hamza, the vibrant 400-level PharmD student who serves as the Public Relations Officer.
From chemistry classrooms to media coordination, his journey blends confidence, communication, and a genuine passion for keeping students informed and connected.
In this exclusive spotlight, he opens up about his story, his role, and the heart behind the public voice of PANS-BUK.
THE INTERVIEW
1. Can you introduce yourself... your name, background, and where you’re from?
PRO: "My name is Ismail Hamza, a 400L PharmD student. I am from a town called Bunkure in Kano State, and I currently live there. I attended Maitama Sule Science College, where I obtained my SSCE qualification. Afterward, I moved to CAS Kano for a one-year IJMB program, and Alhamdulillah, I was privileged to secure points that earned me admission into Pharmacy School, 200 Level (D.E)."
2. What early experiences shaped your communication skills?
PRO: "Growing up in a community (my room) where almost everyone was an extrovert, I felt uncomfortable being different. That pushed me to develop interest in engaging with people, and gradually I started improving my communication skills through interaction."
3. What inspired your decision to study Pharmacy?
PRO: "Chemistry! I have loved chemistry since college; it was the subject I used to score an “A” in without stressing myself. When my IJMB result came out and I got an A in Chemistry, my mentor, Nazifi Auwal Carbony, encouraged me to go for the PharmD program and assured me I could do it. I then researched deeply about the course and eventually developed strong interest in getting admitted into Pharmacy."
4. How has your experience been as a Pharmacy student at BUK so far?
PRO: "Pharmacy in BUK has been an honor for me. Anyone who finds themselves admitted into Pharmacy school, regardless of the level, should thank God. That is where the real knowledge is! I have learned a lot, and now I realize I shouldn’t have wasted time thinking about any other course (like my previous ambition of MBBS). To me, Pharmacy is the best. If I had not been admitted, I would have missed a great opportunity. Pharmacy is the best gift Allah has given me in this worldly life."
5. Which academic challenges or achievements shaped you the most?
PRO: "Personally, I have not faced many academic challenges apart from the stress of preparing for CAs, presentations, and exams. What shaped me most was witnessing how some of my colleagues who were capable and hardworking still struggled due to circumstances beyond their control. That experience scared me but also motivated me to improve and stay committed to my academic journey."
6. What branch of Pharmacy currently interests you, and why?
PRO: "Clinical Pharmacy. It is my favorite specialty. I may change my mind later, but for now, I have strong interest in this area because it allows direct interaction with patients and provides opportunities to offer optimum pharmaceutical care. I have always wanted to contribute to patients’ health, especially because of some community health scenarios I have witnessed."
7. How do you balance academics with your public-facing responsibilities?
PRO: "Interestingly, my public-facing responsibilities actually contribute to my academics. Taking on public duties helped me connect with many people, including classmates, and through them I learned a lot and shared experiences related to our pharmaceutical journey. Unlike many, these responsibilities have been more of a support than a distraction to me."
LEADERSHIP JOURNEY & MOTIVATION
8. What motivated you to contest for PRO of PANS-BUK?
PRO: "I contested because I wanted to contribute to something meaningful, a desire that started from my community life. After broadening my thoughts, I realized that as PRO of PANS-BUK, I would be able to contribute significantly while also building my communication skills, strengthening relationships, and shaping my future interactions with people."
9. How has your experience been so far, and what lessons has the role taught you?
PRO: "Being PRO has taught me a lot, especially how to mingle with people, build connections with dignitaries, and improve my communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)."
10. Many believe the PRO is the “voice and image” of the association. How do you manage that pressure?
PRO: "It isn’t easy. One has to sacrifice a lot for the association. From the moment I considered contesting, I told myself that I would be sacrificing my time and energy. So whenever my office demands something from me, I do my best to deliver without hesitation."
CONCLUSION
In a world where communication drives connection and visibility shapes influence, the role of the PRO is no small responsibility. Through dedication, consistency, and genuine passion, Ismail Hamza has not only amplified the voice of PANS-BUK but also strengthened its bridge to the students it represents.
From chemistry classrooms to social media dashboards, his growth is a reminder that leadership comes from service, and that great things happen when one man decides to use his voice for the good of the many.
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