The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has pushed back against the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) recent decision to change degree titles in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s to “Doctor” in Nigerian universities.
According to the NUC, which rolled out the policy in January, the upgrade aims to strengthen clinical training, broaden foundational knowledge, and ensure more hands-on learning across specialties.
Press Release
Our Position on the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Nomenclature Change and Upgrade of Programs from Bachelor’s Degree to Doctor Statuses for Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry in Nigerian Universities
But NARD believes the move could do more harm than good.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, May 9, the group warned that giving the “Doctor” title to multiple health professionals without clear communication or system-wide structure might lead to patient confusion, professional rivalry, and increased risk of quack practices in an already strained healthcare environment.
They also argued that rather than working together to improve the system, some non-medical health worker groups have increasingly focused on trying to match or compete with doctors—especially in title and pay.
NARD noted that internationally, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists typically don’t use the “Doctor” title unless they pursue a PhD, particularly in countries like the UK and Germany.
They stressed that clear distinctions in roles and responsibilities are critical for teamwork and patient safety.
“Every healthcare profession has its value and place,” NARD concluded. “But if someone wants to be called a medical doctor, there’s a specific, rigorous path for that.”
NEWSIE EVENTS MEDIA :
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has pushed back against the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) recent decision to change degree titles in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry from bachelor’s to “Doctor” in Nigerian universities.
According to the NUC, which rolled out the policy in January, the upgrade aims to strengthen clinical training, broaden foundational knowledge, and ensure more hands-on learning across specialties.
Press Release
Our Position on the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Nomenclature Change and Upgrade of Programs from Bachelor’s Degree to Doctor Statuses for Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry in Nigerian Universities
But NARD believes the move could do more harm than good.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, May 9, the group warned that giving the “Doctor” title to multiple health professionals without clear communication or system-wide structure might lead to patient confusion, professional rivalry, and increased risk of quack practices in an already strained healthcare environment.
They also argued that rather than working together to improve the system, some non-medical health worker groups have increasingly focused on trying to match or compete with doctors—especially in title and pay.
NARD noted that internationally, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists typically don’t use the “Doctor” title unless they pursue a PhD, particularly in countries like the UK and Germany.
They stressed that clear distinctions in roles and responsibilities are critical for teamwork and patient safety.
“Every healthcare profession has its value and place,” NARD concluded. “But if someone wants to be called a medical doctor, there’s a specific, rigorous path for that.”
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