The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Bayero University Kano (BUK) Chapter, through its Public Health Committee in collaboration with the Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Program (ADMAP), successfully hosted the "Insight into ADMAP and Public Health Webinar", equipping participants with practical knowledge and leadership skills to address drug misuse, promote mental health, and lead impactful public health campaigns.
The Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS), Bayero University Kano (BUK) Chapter, through its Public Health Committee in collaboration with the Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programmes (ADMAP), successfully organized the "Insight into ADMAP and Public Health Webinar" on Sunday, 12 July 2026, via Google Meet.
Held under the theme, "Empowering Pharmacy Students for Advocacy, Leadership, and Community Impact," the webinar brought together pharmacy students, primarily from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, alongside young healthcare professionals with a shared interest in public health, advocacy, and leadership. The event provided participants with practical knowledge on drug misuse prevention, mental health advocacy, public health communication, and effective community engagement.
The programme was hosted by Umar Nasir Huzaifa, President of PANS-BUK, while Shu'aibu Muhd Suraj, Academic Director of PANS-BUK and Northwest Zonal Coordinator of ADMAP National, served as the moderator. Najib Basiru Said, Chairman of the PANS-BUK Public Health Committee, and Muhammad Hafsa Tajuddeen, ADMAP BUK Coordinator, served as co-hosts, ensuring the smooth coordination of the event.
Session One: Insights into the Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Program (ADMAP)
Facilitator: Rufai Gabriel
Immediate Past National Chairperson, ADMAP
The first session was facilitated by Rufai Gabriel, who introduced participants to the Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Program (ADMAP) and its mission of preventing drug misuse and abuse through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
He emphasized that pharmacy students have both a professional and social responsibility to educate their peers and communities about the dangers of substance misuse. Rather than remaining silent when confronted with cases of drug abuse, he encouraged participants to become advocates who actively promote awareness and healthy lifestyles within their communities.
"Pharmacy students should not remain silent when they encounter substance misuse. They have a responsibility to educate, advocate, and become agents of positive change within their communities."
A key highlight of his presentation was the close relationship between drug misuse and mental health. Rufai explained that many cases of substance misuse are associated with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. He therefore called on pharmacy students to become mental health advocates by promoting awareness, encouraging early intervention, supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, and contributing to efforts aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.
"Behind many cases of substance misuse are individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Advocacy must therefore include compassion, understanding, and support—not judgment."
He also stressed the importance of compassionate communication. According to him, pharmacy students should intentionally check on the mental and emotional well-being of those around them and offer support with empathy rather than judgment. Individuals struggling with substance use disorders, he noted, should be encouraged and supported instead of being made to feel guilty or isolated.
Speaking further on advocacy, Rufai highlighted the importance of community participation. Rather than implementing one-sided awareness campaigns, he encouraged advocates to engage respected members of the target community and empower them to champion anti-drug messages. Such collaboration, he explained, builds trust, promotes community ownership, and enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of drug abuse prevention initiatives.
"Communities are more likely to embrace advocacy when they become partners in the process rather than passive recipients of information."
The session concluded with a call for participants to become proactive advocates who integrate education, empathy, mental health promotion, and community collaboration in combating drug misuse and substance abuse.
Session Two: Insights into the PANS Public Health Committee and Effective Public Health Campaigns
Facilitator: Ubaidullah Alhassan
National Vice Chairperson, PANS Public Health Committee
The second session was facilitated by Ubaidullah Alhassan, who introduced participants to the mission of the PANS Public Health Committee—to promote health, prevent disease, and empower pharmacy students to improve community health through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
He emphasized that pharmacy students occupy a unique position in addressing public health challenges and should actively contribute to improving health outcomes within their communities through education, advocacy, and leadership.
A major highlight of the presentation was the explanation of the Health Communications Triangle, comprising the Message, the Messenger, and the Audience. He explained that successful public health campaigns depend on delivering clear, evidence-based messages tailored to the needs of the target audience. Equally important is the credibility, empathy, and professionalism of the messenger, as these qualities foster trust and encourage positive behavioural change.
"Effective health communication is not just about what is said, but who says it, how it is communicated, and whether it resonates with the intended audience."
Ubaidullah also outlined the key stages involved in planning effective public health campaigns. These include identifying the health issue, understanding the target audience, setting clear and measurable objectives, collaborating with relevant stakeholders, implementing appropriate interventions, and evaluating campaign outcomes to determine effectiveness and guide future improvements.
In his concluding remarks, he emphasized the importance of proper documentation and reporting. According to him, comprehensive documentation not only demonstrates the impact of public health interventions but also provides valuable evidence and lessons that strengthen future initiatives and ensure programme sustainability.
"If an intervention is not properly documented, its impact cannot be effectively measured, replicated, or improved upon."
Interactive Discussions and Participant Engagement
One of the defining features of the webinar was the high level of interaction between participants and the facilitators. Throughout the programme, attendees actively engaged in thoughtful discussions, asked insightful questions, and shared perspectives on drug misuse prevention, mental health, and public health advocacy.
The interactive atmosphere enriched the learning experience, enabling participants to connect theoretical concepts with practical public health challenges while benefiting from the experiences of accomplished student leaders and advocates.
Moderator's Remarks
Shu'aibu Muhd Suraj
Academic Director, PANS BUK & Northwest Zonal Coordinator, ADMAP National
Delivering his closing remarks, Shu'aibu Muhd Suraj described the webinar as a successful and impactful learning experience that brought together pharmacy students—primarily from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University Kano—and young healthcare professionals with a common passion for public health and advocacy.
"The webinar successfully achieved its objective of providing participants with valuable insights into the Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Program (ADMAP) and the PANS Public Health Committee."
He commended participants for their enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the sessions, noting that the quality of questions, discussions, and interactions with the facilitators contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
According to him, the knowledge shared during the webinar would inspire attendees to assume greater responsibilities in advocacy, leadership, mental health promotion, and community-based public health initiatives while strengthening their commitment to professional growth and service.
"Continuous collaboration and capacity-building remain essential for preparing pharmacy students to become effective public health advocates and future leaders in healthcare."
Conclusion
The successful hosting of the Insight into ADMAP and Public Health Webinar reflects the commitment of PANS-BUK to developing pharmacy students beyond the classroom by equipping them with the knowledge, leadership skills, and advocacy capacity required to address emerging healthcare challenges.
By fostering conversations around drug misuse prevention, mental health promotion, and effective public health communication, the webinar strengthened participants' resolve to become compassionate healthcare professionals and community advocates. As the pharmacy profession continues to evolve, initiatives such as this reaffirm PANS-BUK's dedication to producing pharmacists who are not only clinically competent but also committed to improving public health and creating lasting impact within their communities.
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