Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kehinde Adio
Published on 2024-02-26 12:30:11
Mrs. Abimbola Owoseni, a Professor of Microbiology at Bowen University in Osun State, emphasized the urgent need for microbiologists and other basic scientists to conduct research aimed at developing new drugs that microorganisms cannot resist during the 12th inaugural lecture for the College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science. The lecture was titled ‘Microorganisms: Invincibility in Invisibility’. Professor Owoseni highlighted the growing ineffectiveness of combating antibiotic resistance and stressed the importance of allocating more funds towards basic sciences research.
As the first female Professor of Microbiology at Bowen University, Owoseni emphasized the critical need to understand the power of microbes in order to win the battle against them. She pointed out that microorganisms are often the cause of human and livestock fatalities worldwide, with the injudicious use of antibiotics playing a significant role in the emergence of drug resistance. Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a major global threat in the 21st century, with resistant strains easily transferring between individuals and impacting public health on a large scale.
Professor Owoseni explained that once resistance develops, the spread of resistant strains is fueled by factors such as continued antibiotic use, poor infection control measures, and inadequate hygiene practices both in and out of healthcare settings. This global menace poses a threat to healthcare progress, food production, and life expectancy, with reports estimating approximately 25,000 deaths in parts of Europe due to infections caused by resistant microorganisms.
In addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance, Professor Owoseni emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, consumption of fresh produce, and access to clean water as key factors in preventing infections and maintaining overall health. She also advocated for private tertiary institutions, like Bowen University, to receive research grants from organizations such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to support research efforts in combating antibiotic resistance.
The Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Jonathan Babalola, commended Mrs. Owoseni as a dependable Professor of Microbiology and emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering knowledgeable teaching and research capabilities that can nurture future leaders capable of positively transforming society in the 21st century.
In conclusion, Professor Abimbola Owoseni’s lecture shed light on the crucial need for innovative research in microbiology to combat antibiotic resistance and emphasized the importance of supporting basic sciences research through funding and collaboration across academic institutions. By understanding the power of microorganisms and implementing effective strategies, the global community can work towards preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and safeguarding public health for generations to come.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
