The Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation organized a double mode guest lecture (a virtual lecture and a physical lecture) distinguished Guest lecture, Titled: Exposure, Collaboration and Mentoring: The Tripod for increasing the Capacity of Neuroscience Research in Africa on Wednesday 28th July, 2021 time of the lecture was 10:00a.m at Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre Hall UI Hotels, University of Ibadan.
The Guest lecturer and other dignitaries present on this day in likes of Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebola Ekanola ably represented by the Provost of the Post-graduate College, Professor J.O Babalola, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Professor O.B. Adedeji, represented by the Head of Department Thriogenelogy Professor M.O Oyeyemi, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo Chief Medical Director of the University of Ibadan, represented by Dr. Obaro S. Micheal from the faculty of Basic Medical Sciences U.C.H, Professor D.O. from the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Dr. S.G Olukole-Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Dr. Olumayowa O. igado-Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Professor B.O. Oke- Veterinary Anatomy, Professor Olufunke E. Ola-Davis-Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Dr. Mustapha O.A- Veterinary Anatomy from FUNAAB, Dr Akinola.O- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dr. Ruth Olusola Adetiba- Veterinary Medicine, Dr O.A Fagbohun- Veterinary Microbiology, Dr. Afolabi Amos-Department of Biochemistry, Professor John Aneter- Department of Chemical Pathology, Dr Funmi Olopade- Veterinary Anatomy (who is also the wife of the Guest Lecturer), Dr Oluwatoyin A. Adeyemo-Salam- Department of Biochemistry, Professor Omolade Oladele- Veterinary Anatomy, Dr. Ogundijo Oluwaseun- Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Professor Isaiah Ademola- Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology.
The Distinguished Guest Lecturer, Professor James Olukayode Olopade DVM., Ph.D., FCVSN
Neuroscience unit, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Ibadan, Nigeria who is presently the Director Elect, Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Ibadan. Professor Olopade’s research areas are neuroscience and comparative anatomy. He has been funded by the international society of neurochemistry, international Brain Research Organization, Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and UI Research Foundation. He has over 100 Publications to his credit and has a Research gate score of 32.17, and an i10 Google Scholar score of 45.
The Chairman of the Foundation Professor O.O Kale who was represented by Professor O. Sunny Ndekwu a member of the Trustees who gave the Chairman’s welcome address by introducing the Trustees and other dignitaries of the event.
This then was followed by the chairman of the day opening remark who was represented by Provost of the Post-graduate College, Professor J.O Babalola he encouraged men to help the humanity and leave our mark on the sands of life. He appraised the distinguished guest lecturer. He stated the aims and objectives of the Foundation as a non-profit, non-governmental charity, with the aim of advancing knowledge in human and animal health through research, for the benefit of the Nigerian people. This objectives has likewise helped the all medical scientist students in University of Ibadan as well as the country at large. He also stated in his remarks that the Foundation has organized different lectures and symposiums since the year 1992 which has improved lives over the years and this lecture will also do the same.
After the Professor J. O. Babalola Opening remarks the event was followed by the Member of the Trustees of the Foundation Professor Iruka N. Okeke, who is presently the Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Ibadan recited the citation of the Distinguished Guest Lecturer Professor James Olukayode Olopade.
Professor James Olukayode Olopade started the lecture by giving a citation of late Professor Horatio Oritsejolomi Thomas and appreciation of the Members of the Trustees in likes of Professor O. Sunny Ndekwu, Professor E.O Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, Professor Grace Gbotosho, Professor Iruka N. Okeke and also the Chairman of the Foundation Professor O.O Kale.
Going forward giving his lecture he said research is creating new knowledge, $1million was used for research in various countries. He also gave a statistics of research as well as funding Nigeria being the least funded by domestic agencies. He also gave appraisal of his Postgraduate Students as follows; Dr. Olude- Adult neurogenesis in the African giant rat, Dr Azeez- Vanadium exposure which results in demyelination of axons, Dr. Folarin- Vanadium which causes memory deficit, Dr. Olaolorun F. Abiodumn- Neuro protective sp leaves that can play a role in pakinson disease, Dr. Igado- Isolation of a novel compound from Moringa. Use of MIMO2 to myelinate axons which lost its myelination upon exposure to Vanadium, Dr. Ahmed- Exposure to Vanadium in Developing Mouse Brain, others include Dr. Amany and Dr. Adebiyi.
Professor Olopade encouraged that more funding should be made for research and neuroscience are deepening roots in Ibadan and many more are being trained. He acknowledges late professor S.K Onwuka he said his a father and a mentor who encouraged his research work and also recognized and acknowledged the presence of Professor B.O. Oke. He acknowledge the presence of his parents and the members of the Thomas-Biomedical Foundation and also his wife Dr. Funmilayo Olopade.
After the end of the lecture by the Guest Lecturer a presentation of the award plaque to the Guest Lecturer was followed this was presented by Professor Grace Gbotosho, member of the trustees and also the present head of department Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Ibadan. The lecture ended successfully with a vote of thanks given by Professor Grace Gbotosho one of the Member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. Followed by a group Photograph.