How the 51st PANS National Convention at UNIBEN Disgraced PANS 50-year Legacy

I attended the 51st PANS National Convention at the University of Benin, where over 750 delegates from 16 pharmacy schools were represented. What should have been a landmark gathering for pharmacy students instead raised serious concerns about delegate welfare, financial accountability, electoral transparency and external interference in student governance.

Expectations and Sacrifices of PANSites

Delegates paid registration fees with the expectation of decent welfare and accommodation. However, many were subjected to conditions that fell significantly below that expectation. We were subsequently informed that university accommodation approvals had allegedly been revoked 48 hours before the convention; concerns have since been raised as to whether formal applications were submitted to the university management in the first place. This discrepancy deserves independent verification.

Questions of Accountability and Transparency

Even more troubling are the questions surrounding the convention's finances. Over ₦22 million was reportedly generated through delegate registration, sponsorships and other support, yet the financial account presented to the general body has been questioned for its adequacy and transparency. Delegates deserve a clear, verifiable breakdown of how these funds were received and spent, including supporting records where necessary.

Evidence of Failed System

The electoral process also raised serious concerns. Rather than an open election of the incoming National Executive Council, concerns were raised about a selection process reportedly coordinated at UNIJOS by the National Liaison Officer, during which some otherwise eligible candidates were allegedly disqualified. The circumstances surrounding these decisions and their conformity with the PANS constitution should be independently reviewed.

Threats to Life, Intimidation and Abuse of Power

During the Annual General Meeting of Congress, when I attempted to raise concerns about these issues, I was met with threats and intimidation from the PSN-PANS Coordinator, Pharm. Patrick Ehitare. I experienced this as an attempt to silence legitimate questions being raised on behalf of delegates. Concerns were also raised about external influence in proceedings where neutrality and respect for PANS' internal democratic processes were expected.

Our Prayers and Call to Action

This petition is therefore not simply about one uncomfortable convention experience. It is a call for accountability and institutional protection. We ask the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and other appropriate stakeholders to independently investigate the convention's finances, accommodation and welfare arrangements, electoral process and alleged external interference; make relevant findings transparent; and take appropriate corrective action where violations of PANS' constitution, regulations or principles are established.

Final Submission

PANSites are on every National group chat, and in their Chapters, waiting for accountability from their leaders. PANS belongs to its members. Its conventions, finances and leadership processes should be conducted in a manner that protects the trust of the students it represents. We are calling for transparency, accountability, due process and the preservation of democratic governance within the Association.

SHOW SUPPORT BY SIGNING THIS PETITION!!!

Save PANS.

Save the glory of our past leaders.

Save the dignity of our present generation.

Save the future of those coming after us.

Save the integrity of our Association.

Save the democracy that makes PANS ours.