The Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation had organized a distinguished Guest lecture, Titled: “Holding on and Letting go: Dissecting Attachment by an Exceptional Bacterial Colonizer” and the foundation laying of the proposed Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation Building, on Tuesday 18th June, 2019 from 10:00a.m to 1:00p.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 Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor A.B. Ekanola, Deputy Provost College of Medicine-Professor Obafunke O. Denloye who represented the Provost College of Medicine-Professor Oluwabunmi E.O. Olapade-Olaopa, Professor and Professor (Mrs) O.O. Akinkugbe, Professor and Mrs D.T. Okpako, Professor Segun Oke-Vice-Chancellor LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Chaplain, UI Chapel of The Resurrection, Rev. Dr. O. K. Oyelade.
The Distinguished guest Lecturer, Professor Iruka N. Okeke, who is presently the Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Ibadan. She is a Professor of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology and Adjunct. Also a Professor, Program in African Studies and TriCollege Program in Environmental Studies. Haverford College, Pennsylvania, USA (Assistant Professor from August 2002-June 2008; Associate Professor Jul 2008-Jun 2014, non-teaching Research associate 2016-Date). She has achieved so much for the past 21years as a bacterial geneticist.
At the beginning of her lecture she discussed about the four overlapping areas of her research work the first one is the small part of her scholarly work is in Science and Technology Studies, the second research is in diarrhoeal pathogens particularly Escherichia coli, thirdly is on molecular epidemiology research which has extended to related enteric pathogens like Salmonella, the final research focus is on microbial pathogenesis.
The guest lecturer explained and focus her talk on molecular and cellular biology which is the aspects of her work. She has been a researcher for the past 21years as a molecular scientist.
The lecture was quite fascinating and a well ambience environment, we had a great turn out of the audience of about 200. After the guest speaker’s lecture an honorary award, Titled: Professor Olumbe-Bassir Distinguished Fellowship Award was presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic- Professor A.B. Ekanola who was representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan as the chairman of the occasion to the Guest Lecturer.
Followed by the presentation of an award plaque by the Emeritus Professor O.O. Akinkugbe to the Former Chairman Of The Foundation; Professor D.T. Okpako In Recognition and Deep Appreciation of his 28 years of Selfless, Meritorious and Dedicated Service to the Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation.
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.
Immediately after the successful lecture given by the Guest lecturer- Professor Iruka N. Okeke was the “Turning of the Sod/Foundation laying” ceremony which took place at the proposed site of the Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation Building. The purpose of this building is to serve as a means of generating funds for the foundation and also in remembrance of the two (2) founding members of the organization; Late Professor Oritsejolomi Thomas and Professor Olumbe Bassir. The service started around 2pm with an open prayer lead by the chaplain of the University of Ibadan; Reverend Dr. D.K. Oyelade.
Finally, the foundation laying of the proposed post-graduate building ceremony ended successfully around 4pm.