ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE CEREMONY HELD FOR OUR FACULTY RE-ACCREDITED FOR SIX YEARS

The Accreditation Certificate Presentation Ceremony of Mersin University Faculty of Pharmacy, which has been awarded a six-year accreditation for the second time by the Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Pharmacy Education Programs (ECZAKDER), was held on Thursday, May 22 at the Prof. Dr. Uğur Oral Cultural Center.

The ceremony was attended by Rector of Mersin University Prof. Erol YAŞAR, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, President of ECZAKDER Prof. M. Seçkin ÖZDEN, ECZAKDER, General Secretary of ECZAKDER Prof. Benay CAN EKE, Central Committee Member of Turkish Pharmacists Association Msc. Pharm. Özgün SAĞIR, President of TPA 25^th District Mersin Chamber of Pharmacists Pharm. Aliye AKGÜL AYDIN, Chairman of the Board of the Güney Pharmacy Cooperative Pharm. Tarkan BİR, along with deans, directors of institutes and vocational schools, department heads, academic and administrative staff, pharmacists, and students.

The event commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a musical performance by Research Assistant Ercan ADAL and students Asya OKTAY, Aryan SADEGHI, Mehraneh KARIMI, Mehmet Şirin KUTLU, and Zelal ÇİÇEK from the Faculty of Pharmacy music group.

Rector Prof. Erol YAŞAR highlighted the significance of accreditation: “Accreditation is a critical process that certifies an academic program’s compliance with defined quality standards and its ability to sustain these standards. Our Faculty’s perseverance, dedication, and academic growth following the first accreditation have made today’s achievement possible. Receiving a long-term accreditation of six years not only confirms the current adequacy of our program but also reflects the Faculty’s commitment to a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and globally competitive education. This success is the result of collective efforts by our academic and administrative teams, students, and stakeholders. It also represents Mersin University's dedication to providing high-quality, modern, and internationally aligned education.”

Our University Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol YAŞAR, stated that universities are not only institutions that produce knowledge but also cultivate qualified individuals and guide society. He emphasised the great importance of Faculties providing education in fields directly related to human health, such as pharmacy, advancing on the basis of professional ethics, scientific innovation, and social responsibility. He thanked ECZAKDER for its objective assessments and guidance.

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, stated: “Pharmacy education not only lays the foundations of the profession but also constitutes the first and most important step in pharmacy. This education is a process in which pharmacists acquire professional competence and scientific knowledge and skills are combined, directly affecting the quality of future pharmaceutical practice. It is of great importance that the education provided at Pharmacy Faculties is accredited to ensure quality assurance in line with international standards and professional requirements. Our faculty has earned a 6-year accreditation certificate from ECZAKDER for the second time by combining a quality-focused educational approach, the principle of continuous improvement, and the goal of institutional excellence. This achievement is not merely a certificate; it is a clear demonstration of our vision, our efforts, and our determination.

Prof. Dr. CANACANKATAN stated, “I would like to express my gratitude to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol YAŞAR, and our University administration, who have made significant contributions to the Faculty of Pharmacy in all academic and administrative areas throughout this process, I would like to express my gratitude to ECZAKDER for meticulously evaluating and recognising the success of their academic work and awarding them the accreditation certificate, and to the guests attending this ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the Turkish Pharmacists Association Msc. Pharm. Özgün SAĞIR remarked:“Starting something is important, but maintaining it is even more crucial. The fact that this journey, which began in 2019, has now been extended to 2031 is a prime example. We will always support Mersin University and its Faculty of Pharmacy.”

President of TPA 25^th District Mersin Chamber of Pharmacists Pharm. Aliye AKGÜL AYDIN, expressed her pride in being part of the celebration: “In the face of many challenges in our education system, seeing the positive outcomes of hard work and solidarity gives us hope for the future. The accreditation process serves as a guarantee that our professional education meets certain national and international quality standards. I thank ECZAKDER and all contributors on behalf of the pharmacy profession.” She also highlighted collaborative efforts between the Chamber and the Faculty, including the establishment of a simulation pharmacy, where students gain hands-on experience in a real-life pharmacy setting.

Pharmacist Tarkan BİR, Chairman of the Güney Pharmacy Cooperative, offered his congratulations and affirmed their continued support for the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Student representative Şeyhmus ATIZ noted the comprehensive training provided: “Our Faculty equips us with both theoretical and practical knowledge across all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. Agreements with leading companies like Abdi İbrahim and Eczacıbaşı offer us internship opportunities, while partnerships with the Chamber of Pharmacists and other stakeholders allow us to participate in training programs, events, and projects. Elective courses in emerging fields such as homeopathy and sports pharmacy enrich our education further.”

Following the speeches, ECZAKDER President Prof. M. Seçkin ÖZDEN delivered a presentation titled “Pharmacy Education and Accreditation.” She emphasized that accreditation is not merely a certificate but a systematic assurance of quality in education. “According to the World Health Organization, there will be a global shortage of nearly 10 million health professionals by 2030. This highlights the strategic importance of pharmacy education in developing qualified professionals. As of 2024, out of over 60 pharmacy faculties in Türkiye, only 17 have full accreditation and 5 hold conditional accreditation. Mersin University’s Faculty of Pharmacy is among those granted full re-accreditation. Accreditation helps institutions recognize their strengths and weaknesses, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.”

Prof. M. Seçkin ÖZDEN underlined the importance of quality-driven education and the necessity for accreditation to be conducted by independent bodies recognized by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council. Pharmacists play crucial roles not only in medicine distribution but also in public health, disease prevention, and emergency response. For future pharmacists, a focus on quality in education is essential. Each accredited faculty makes a concrete commitment to public health.

After the presentation, ECZAKDER President Prof. M. Seçkin ÖZDEN presented the Accreditation Certificate to Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Our Rector Prof. Erol Yaşar presented flowers to Prof. M. Seçkin ÖZDEN and ECZAKDER Secretary General Prof. Benay Can Eke in memory of the day.

The ceremony ended with a group photo session.