Background: The key role of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in mitigating antimicrobial resistance cannot be overemphasized, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the perception of physicians about AMS base on their training and practice experience.

Method: A phenomenological qualitative design was employed, and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire-based interview of a purposive sample of practicing physicians in Abuja, Nigeria. Eighteen physicians completed the interview and responded based on their perceptions and practice experience. Thematic analysis and coding of the data were performed through an iterative process.

Results: 56% of the respondents were female physicians, 67% worked in a private hospital/clinic, and 44% have been practicing for 11 – 15 years. 83% of the respondents think auditing clinicians would promote antibiotics stewardship. 44% of the respondents were unaware of clinical guidelines for an empirical antibiotics prescription. 56% felt doctors were not provided thorough training on AMS. The participants suggest that AMS in Nigeria could be promoted through training of personnel, establishing antibiotics policy and protocol, cessation of over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, creating awareness and access to prompt laboratory investigation. They also believed inter-professional collaboration is necessary to achieve AMS.

Conclusion: Physicians perceived a knowledge gap in AMS as a result of inadequate training and lack of clinical guidelines on antimicrobial stewardship in the healthcare system of Nigeria. Intensive education of healthcare providers and inter-professional collaboration are plausible approaches to improving antibiotic stewardship.

Keywords: Antibiotic, Antibiotic resistance, Antimicrobial resistance, Antimicrobial stewardship