Nigerian Resident Doctors Oppose NUC’s Decision To Grant ‘Doctor’ Titles To Pharmacists And Other Health Professionals.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has publicly opposed a recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to upgrade the degree titles of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to ‘Doctor’ status across Nigerian universities. The announcement, which has sparked widespread debate, was described by NARD as a potential source of confusion for patients and a deviation from established global practices.
In a statement released on Thursday, 8 May 2025, NARD expressed concerns that conferring the ‘Doctor’ title on pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists could mislead the public, particularly in a country where health literacy remains a challenge. “With citizens’ limited public enlightenment on health, adding the designation ‘Dr’ to pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists could confuse patients,” the statement read. The association argued that the move risks blurring the lines between medical doctors and other healthcare professionals, potentially undermining trust in the healthcare system.
NARD further challenged the NUC’s claim that the decision aligns with global best practices. The association pointed out that in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany, pharmacists and physiotherapists are not granted the ‘Doctor’ title after undergraduate training unless they earn a PhD. “These systems emphasise clear clinical boundaries and robust governance,” NARD noted, urging the NUC to reconsider its stance to maintain clarity in professional roles.
While NARD reiterated its support for improved welfare and recognition for all healthcare professionals, it stressed that each profession should take pride in its unique role. “If one wishes to become a medical doctor, there is a rigorous, defined pathway for that,” the statement added, advocating for distinct professional identities to avoid misrepresentation.
The decision has ignited a broader conversation within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with some stakeholders arguing that the upgrade reflects the evolving roles of pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists, while others echo NARD’s concerns about public confusion. Social media platforms, including X, have seen a flurry of reactions, with posts highlighting the potential implications for patient care and professional hierarchies. “Conferring ‘Doctor’ titles on pharmacy and physiotherapy may confuse patients,” one X user noted, reflecting the sentiment of many resident doctors.
The NUC has yet to respond formally to NARD’s statement, but the controversy underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s healthcare system, where issues such as professional recognition, brain drain, and working conditions remain contentious. In recent years, over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have migrated abroad, citing poor remuneration and insecurity, further straining the sector.
As the debate continues, NARD has called for dialogue with the NUC and other stakeholders to ensure that any changes to academic titles prioritise patient safety and professional clarity. The association’s stance has resonated with many in the medical community, who see the preservation of distinct roles as essential to maintaining trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
