The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has voiced strong opposition to the recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to upgrade the nomenclature of degree programmes in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s degrees to “Doctor” status in Nigerian universities.
The NUC implemented these changes in January, explaining that the decision was driven by the need to incorporate more clinical and practical sessions, improve foundational course coverage, enhance clinical skills, and address all speciality areas comprehensively.
In response, the association expressed significant concerns that the move may have unintended consequences. “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 stated in a communiqué published on its official X handle on Thursday.