The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly opposed the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) recent decision to confer the title of “Doctor” on graduates of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry in Nigerian universities.
In a statement released by its Executive Council, NARD acknowledged its support for the advancement and welfare of all healthcare professionals but warned that altering degree titles without adequate safeguards could lead to widespread confusion, interprofessional disputes, and even promote quackery in the country’s overstretched healthcare system.
The NUC justified its move by referencing “global best practices” and said the change aligns Nigeria with international standards, allowing Pharmacy graduates to bear the PharmD title, Physiotherapists the DPT title, and Optometrists the OD title.
But NARD rejected this reasoning, stressing that the development lacks proper structural foundation and misrepresents how professional titles are handled in advanced health systems.
“Globally, there is no precedent where pharmacists, physiotherapists, or optometrists in public institutions earn more than medical doctors,” the association stated.
It noted that in countries like the UK and Germany, such titles are reserved for those with PhDs or clinical doctorates attained through postgraduate training.
“Over the past two decades, agitations by other health worker groups have increasingly focused on competing with medical doctors rather than driving systemic improvements,” NARD remarked.
“Between 2005 and 2025, most strikes by these groups have centred on demands to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to match the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).”
The statement further read: “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.”
NARD also pointed out that key aspects of clinical leadership and diagnosis are still firmly under the domain of licensed medical doctors around the world.
“Patients typically seek doctors for diagnosis and treatment decisions, a fact reflected in salary structures and clinical governance worldwide,” the association said.
It added: “While the NUC cites ‘global best practices,’ countries like the UK and Germany do not grant the ‘Doctor’ title to pharmacists or physiotherapists after undergraduate training, except through a PhD. These systems emphasise clear clinical boundaries and robust governance.”
Highlighting its stance on professional identity, NARD concluded: “We believe all healthcare professionals should take pride in their unique roles. If one wishes to become a medical doctor, there is a rigorous, defined pathway for that.”
“We respectfully urge the NUC to reconsider this change and instead pursue policies that strengthen collaboration, clarity, and excellence in healthcare,” the statement added.
