Pharmacology Specialty and Brain Drain are Factors for Consideration in Improving Pharmacology Education in Nigeria ‐ Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) as Example

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONIn Nigeria, pharmacology departments teach medical students didactically towards direct health care delivery. Is there a premise for expanding pharmacology departments' programs to include science degree curricula using LASUCOM as example?METHODSMedical students of LASUCOM participated in different 18‐question surveys two months apart.RESULTSRespondents associated pharmacology with medicine (61.3%), science (24.9%), industry (16.8 %), and government (11.1%); 32.8% want to know clinical pharmacology, 7.1% basic pharmacology; 45.8% prefer to study lecturers' notes, 26.7% textbooks, 9.8% the Internet, and 2.7% journals;primarily to be able to treat patients (40%), obtain MBBS degree (39.1%) and 8.9% to know this subject, 3.1% to make money; 0.4% would definitely and 33.8% would probably become pharmacologists, while 27.1% are uninterested and 8.4% would never be pharmacologists. Regarding Nigeria as not yet developed (51%), most would visit a developed country (61%) after MBBS (52%); some to spend professional life (59.52%); highest interests are in USA (46.7%), Canada (44.8%) and any European country (40.48%); based on scientific and technical advancement (60%). Some 23.8% consider it important for self fulfillment; 32.9%, 26.2%, and 21.9% for opportunity, bright future, and job satisfaction; 63% would necessarily return to Nigeria for roots (39%), to bring expertise (51.9%) and experience (53.3%).CONCLUSIONRespondents relate pharmacology to MBBS requirements; pharmacology departments could include science degree programs, collaborating with advanced countries, to contribute to local scientific and technical advancement, lack of which promotes brain drain.