The Board of trustees of the Thomas-Bassir biomedical foundation organized a distinguished lecture on 31st August 2018. The Guest lecturer was Professor Olusoga Sofola, MBBS, PhD, FAS (Nig), who is presently Emeritus Professor of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos. The lecture started at 11:00am the event started with the introduction of the invited guests and the Guest Lecturer to the high table. This was anchored by one of the Masters of Ceremony for the event who is also one of the Trustees for Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation (TBBF) Chief Sunny O. Ndekwu.
The welcome address and chairman’s opening remark was opened by the vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka. The Chairman Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation, Professor David Okpako, in his brief remarks appreciated everyone who honored the invitation. He also state the mission of the foundation which is promoting health research for the benefits of Nigerian people by giving direct grants to Biomedical Scientists since its inception in the year 1974, when it was established. It was formerly called wellcome Nigeria Fund.
The welcome address was followed by given the citation of the guest lecturer Emeritus Professor Olusoga Sofola. This was cited by Professor Sola Gbotosho the Head of Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Ibadan, she’s is one of the trustees for Thomas-Bassir Biomedical foundation (TBBF).
The guest lecturer for the event Emeritus Professor Olusoga Sofola, spoke on the topic; improvement in patient care through basic and clinical research: whither Nigeria. He said while preparing for this lecture he surveyed the explosion in medical research and how it is impacting upon and changing the nature of clinical/medical therapy that is unfolding. He also said world is rapidly moving from previous modalities based on empirical and phenomenological treatment modalities towards more targeted therapy. For example, it is now possible by means of nanotechnology and targeted therapy to deliver treatment at specific organ i.e. medical therapy is getting less empirical.
- In this lecture he discussed about the current trends on researches that are leading to better management of diseases.
- The conclusion of the Human genome project and mapping of appropriate genes that are involved in disease processes are impacting on better treatment delivery models.
- However the major ingredients for successful research are manpower capability, equipment and most importantly, funding.
Furthermore, after his wonderful lecture ended an award was given as the 2018 Horatio Oritsejolomi Thomas Distinguished Fellow; this was presented to him by Professor Grace Gbotosho; followed by closing remarks from the Chairman, the vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan Professor Idowu Olayinka graced the event as the chairman of the occasion. The representative from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) University of Lagos, Professor W.L. Adeyemo honored our invitation. The Director General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Professor Babatunde L. Salako was also present for the event. The representative for the president of the West African college of surgeons also graced the occasion.
Moreover, other distinguished members present are as follow; Mr Adewale Raji from Odu’a Investment Company limited, Professor David Okali, Emeritus Professor of Forest Ecology University of Ibadan, Professor and Professor (Mrs.) Akinkugbe members of the board of directors SKG Pharm, Professor J.A. Faniran, former Dean of Faculty of Science, Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics University of Ibadan and also the first Linguistics Professo in Nigeria, Professor A.B.O.O. Oyediran, the former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Tola Atinmo, FAS, Professor of Human Nutrition University of Ibadan also the Former President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria and the host of others .
Finally, the event closed with a vote of thanks from Professor D.T. Okapako Chairman, Board of Trustees Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation and this was followed by a group photograph with the invited guests and also mini entertainment was provided for them at the University staff club.