Capacity-building and collaborative curriculum development: A transition from BPharm to PharmD degree at Nnamdi Azikiwe university in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) started its Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) programme in the 2006-2007 academic year. However, NAU’s BPharm curriculum was not clinically focused, and NAU lacked expertise in implementing the clinical pharmacy focus of a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme. The NAU pharmacy programme set out to transition from the BPharm curriculum to a new PharmD curriculum. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the capacity-building and collaborative development of the new PharmD curriculum at NAU. In consultation and collaboration with an expert Carnegie African Diaspora. Description: During a six-week visit, the collaborators co-designed a model didactic and experiential PharmD curriculum, harmonised course syllabi and content, and revised the Clinical Clerkship Logbook. Conclusion: The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences applied for and obtained University approval for the PharmD degree as a graduate degree. The National University Commission approved the PharmD programme.