Students pursuing pharmacy, physiotherapy, and optometry degrees in Nigerian universities will now spend six years instead of five to graduate, the National Universities Commission (NUC) announced on Wednesday.
The change also elevates the degrees to professional doctorates, with graduates earning titles such as Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry (O.D.).
The announcement, made through a statement issued on Wednesday by Franca Chukwuonwo, NUC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, aims to align these programmes with international standards by incorporating more clinical sessions and specialized training.
According to the NUC, the extension is part of a broader reform to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of graduates from Nigerian universities. The revised curriculum integrates additional clinical and practical sessions, ensuring that students are better equipped with foundational knowledge, advanced skills, and specialization in their fields.
“This upgrade to professional doctorate status aligns with global best practices in medical-related training. It ensures Nigerian graduates can compete on an equal footing with their international counterparts in terms of qualifications, employability, and further studies,” the statement read.
The commission explained that the certificates awarded under the new structure would match global standards, making them more acceptable for evaluations abroad and increasing the employability of graduates in a competitive global market.
The additional year aims to accommodate the expanded curriculum, which includes clinical exposure and hands-on practical sessions. These changes address long-standing calls from stakeholders to improve the quality of medical training in Nigeria.
“By extending the duration and upgrading the qualifications, we are not just raising the standard of education but also ensuring that our graduates are adequately trained to meet global professional demands,” the NUC noted.