The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed strong concerns over the recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to upgrade degree titles in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from Bachelor’s Degrees to ‘Doctor’ status in universities across the country.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, NARD, through its executive council, acknowledged the desire of other health professionals for better recognition and welfare. However, the association warned that this policy shift could create confusion for patients and worsen existing professional rivalries in the healthcare system.
The doctors argued that over the past two decades, many health worker unions have focused more on trying to match the status of medical doctors than on championing broader reforms. According to NARD, between 2005 and 2025, most strikes by these groups revolved around demands to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in line with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
NARD emphasized that globally, there is no precedent where pharmacists, physiotherapists, or optometrists in public institutions earn more than medical doctors. They explained that patients typically depend on doctors for diagnosis and treatment decisions, which is why the role of medical doctors remains central in healthcare systems worldwide.
In their words, “Conferring the title ‘Doctor’ on multiple professional groups without public education or structural clarity may confuse patients, worsen interprofessional tensions, and enable quackery in an already fragile health system. Teamwork in care delivery depends on clear roles and trust.”
The association also questioned the claim that the new policy aligns with global best practices, noting that countries like the UK and Germany do not confer the title of “Doctor” on pharmacists or physiotherapists after their undergraduate training, unless they earn a PhD. They added that such systems focus on clear clinical roles and strong governance.
“We believe all healthcare professionals should take pride in their unique roles. If one wishes to become a medical doctor, there is a rigorous, defined pathway for that,” the statement read.
In January, the NUC announced the upgrade as part of a major reform in Nigeria’s university education system. The commission explained that the change aims to introduce more clinical and practical training into the curriculum, improve core knowledge, and ensure better preparation of graduates for the demands of their professions. It also mentioned that the goal is to align these programmes with international standards.
Despite this explanation, NARD has urged the NUC to reconsider the policy and instead pursue reforms that support cooperation, clarify professional boundaries, and improve the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
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