PANS-BUK EXCOs with NAIP Chairman during the courtesy visit


The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Bayero University Kano, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), Kano State Chapter, reinforcing collaboration, mentorship, and industry engagement for pharmacy students.

The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Bayero University Kano (BUK), paid a strategic courtesy visit to the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), Kano State Chapter, as part of efforts to strengthen professional relationships and expand opportunities for pharmacy students.

The visit, which took place on Monday, 27th April 2026, was hosted at UGO Lab Industries Ltd. and led by the PANS-BUK President alongside members of the executive council. The delegation was received by Pharm. Siyaka Onimisi, Chairman of NAIP Kano State, whose longstanding support for student development was acknowledged throughout the engagement.

In his opening remarks, the PANS President expressed appreciation for the Chairman’s consistent mentorship and contributions to pharmacy students, particularly those of Bayero University Kano. He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between students and industry professionals in shaping future pharmacists.

Presentation of Strategic Blueprint

A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of the association’s blueprint, outlining ongoing and proposed initiatives for the academic year. Central to this plan is the Pharma Mentorship Summit, an initiative designed to expose students to diverse career pathways and provide direct access to professional guidance.

The delegation formally requested NAIP’s partnership and support for the successful execution of the program. They also extended an invitation to the Chairman to participate and requested the nomination of an industrial pharmacist to deliver a career orientation session at the summit.

Recognition and Patron Appointment

In a significant moment during the visit, the delegation presented Pharm. Siyaka Onimisi with a Letter of Appointment as Patron of PANS-BUK. The honour was conferred in recognition of his unwavering support, mentorship, and commitment to the development of pharmacy students.

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the association’s growth and initiatives.

Industry Insights and Leadership Commendation

Responding to the presentations, Pharm. Onimisi commended the leadership of PANS-BUK for maintaining continuity and building upon the achievements of previous administrations. He acknowledged the challenges of student leadership and emphasized the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with organizational commitments.

He also praised the association’s vision, particularly the mentorship-focused initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.

Mentorship and Professional Guidance

The visit transitioned into an engaging mentorship session, where the Chairman shared insights from his professional journey, spanning his student years, internship experiences, and career progression within the pharmaceutical industry. He encouraged students to remain open-minded about career opportunities and to explore diverse paths within the profession.

Emphasizing personal development, he advised students to focus on value creation, noting that competence and relevance naturally attract opportunities.

“Create value in yourself; when you have value, people are naturally drawn to you.”

Conclusion

The visit concluded on a cordial note, with the PANS delegation expressing appreciation for the warm reception and valuable guidance received. A group photograph marked the end of the meeting before the delegation proceeded to their next engagement at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

Overall, the courtesy visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between student bodies and professional associations, setting a strong foundation for mentorship, partnership, and the continued growth of future pharmacists.

About the Author: This article was prepared to document and highlight the strategic engagement between PANS-BUK and NAIP Kano State, showcasing student leadership, professional collaboration, and mentorship within the pharmacy community.