The Thomas-Bassir Biomedical Foundation (TBBF) hosted the University of Lagos’ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, as the guest lecturer for the 2023 TBBF Annual Lecture. The lecture, titled “Cities, People, and Bugs: Perspectives on Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Nigeria,” took place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The program began promptly at 11:20 a.m. with the national anthem. The Vice-Chairman and Trustee of TBBF, Professor E.O. Olapade-Olaopa, introduced the guests individually. Notable attendees included Professor Odunola, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Science, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale; the guest lecturer, Professor Folasade Ogunsola FAS; and members of the Board of Trustees—Professor Ndekwu, Professor Gbotosho, Professor Okeke, Professor Olopade, and the Chairman of the Board, Professor O.O. Kale. The wife of the former TBBF Chairman, Mrs. Kathline Okapko, along with other distinguished guests, was also recognized.
Following the introductions, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor O.O. Kale FAS, delivered the welcome address. He encouraged everyone to participate in future annual lectures, emphasizing that they are beneficial not only for academics but for all interested individuals. This was followed by a welcome address from Professor Odunola, representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. She acknowledged the significant impact that Professor O.O. Kale and other members of the Trustees have had on basic medical research and congratulated Professor Folasade Ogunsola on her appointment as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos.
The Vice-Chancellor, via Professor Odunola, expressed gratitude to TBBF for its substantial contributions to research, highlighting various grant opportunities, conferences, and lectures that have benefited many lecturers and students. She urged everyone to actively participate in making a positive impact on health through both financial support and hard work.
At 11:36 a.m., Professor Iruka N. Okeke introduced the guest lecturer, Professor Folasade Ogunsola. She expressed her gratitude to everyone at the head table, including her colleagues from the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, as well as her family and friends who were present. Fondly recalling her time at the University of Ibadan, she felt honored to give the lecture and acknowledged the students and other attendees. During her talk, Professor Ogunsola reflected on the significant contributions the Foundation has made to her growth as a researcher.
She discussed the persistent presence of slums in African cities, emphasizing that they require special attention in Nigeria’s efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. Professor Ogunsola described antimicrobial resistance as a silent, deadly, and relentless pandemic that poses a threat to the progress made against infectious diseases since the discovery of penicillin.
She highlighted that the increasing number and expansion of slums in low- and middle-income countries, such as Nigeria, must not be overlooked in the fight against this resistance. Upgrading slums and addressing their health issues are crucial steps in the battle against antimicrobial resistance.
Professor Ogunsola noted that the full extent of the impact of antimicrobial resistance remains uncertain. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2050, 10 million individuals—4.1 million from Sub-Saharan Africa—could die from antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Additionally, the expected death toll in Africa from microbial resistance will be significant. She emphasized that antibiotics should only be taken when there is a bacterial infection and called for special attention to health issues in slums in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
The lecture was both informative and eye-opening, concluding at 12:52 p.m. Following the lecture, Professor E. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, answered a few questions. Professor Grace Gbotosho delivered the vote of thanks, and a group photograph was taken.
