ACPN Launches Career Framework for Community Pharmacists

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) presented the Community Pharmacy Career Progression Initiative (CPACPI) during a four-day congress held in Abuja from August 30 to September 2, 2026. Mr Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, the National Chairman of ACPN, described CPACPI as a strategic effort to strengthen professional development and create a sustainable workforce in community pharmacy.

Introduced in 2025, CPACPI addresses the lack of a structured, competency-based career progression pathway for community pharmacists. The initiative aims to elevate community pharmacy roles beyond mere medicine dispensing by promoting clinical competence, continuous professional development, mentorship, and digital health integration.

A study presented at the congress revealed significant barriers to professional development, including workload pressures and high training costs. ACPN plans to implement tiered, subsidized grants for younger pharmacists and flexible digital learning modules.

The CPACPI framework features a five-band career progression structure, with advancement based on measurable competencies and experience rather than years of service.