Fountain University Don Calls For Government Funding On Research
•Delivers Institution’s 7th Inaugural Lecture
A Professor of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Professor Nusrah Bolatito Afolabi-Balogun, has urged the Nigerian government to fund research and strengthen the framework of biotechnology.
Prof. Afolabi-Balogun made the plea while delivering the 7th inaugural lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State on Thursday.
Delivering her lecture, titled “From Laboratory Bench to Global Impact: Harnessing Biotechnology For Human Benefit”, the Offa-born scholar said the future of African biotech must rest on strong frameworks of biosafety, bioethics and data sovereignty.
She noted that her work transcends from garlic into using antimicrobial resistance and detecting antimicrobial genes which helps clinicians to prescribe better.
The academic harped on the need for a platform to translate African research from bench to global impact
Prof. Afolabi-Balogun said, “Innovation without integrity is incomplete. Africa’s biotech future must rest on strong frameworks of biosafety, bioethics and data sovereignty. We must train scientists who are not only technically skilled but also ethically grounded, ensuring that every discovery serves human dignity and community wellbeing.
“The next decade of African biotechnology must be intentional. There must be a strong framework that funds and protects research. The government must be sincere in funding research in the country and provide infrastructure. We need a platform to translate African research from bench into global impact with great sponsorship.”
Highlighting some of her works, Prof Afolabi-Balogun said she was able to characterise scientifically that the Osun Osogbo groove contains organisms that can decontaminate or purify the Osun water.
She also said she established that some of the organisms from the groove can produce medicinal compounds that have been active against cancer.
“Basically, my work transcends from garlic into using antimicrobial resistance, detecting antimicrobial genes. And the essence of this is to be able to inform clinicians to be able to prescribe better.
“I also looked at the Osun Osogbo groove, and my research was able to establish the fact that, apart from the belief that the Osun groove has a natural healing property, I was able to characterise scientifically that the groove contains organisms that can decontaminate or purify the water. So it is not dangerous to the body.
“I was also able to establish the fact that some of the organisms from the groove can produce medicinal compounds that have been active against cancer,” she explained.
Speaking further, Prof. Afolabi-Balogun said her sojourn into cancer research led to the detection of a new type of kit that allows her and her team to go into the rural region to test women for the causative agent of cervical cancer.
“This is an innovation that does not require the rigour of PCR, big equipment, or electricity,” she added.
The inaugural lecturer urged people to always go for screening for early detection of cervical cancer.
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“So, basically, we are asking the public to come out for cervical cancer treatment so that before it becomes cancer itself, we can nip it before the cancer develops,” Prof. Afolabi-Balogun noted.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ramota Karim, commended the inaugural lecturer for her outstanding career and dedication to humanity.
The VC said Prof. Afolabi-Balogun has attracted many grants to the university.
She said, “Professor Afolabi-Balogun has done extensive work on cervical cancer diagnosis and different biomedical research activities. She has also facilitated so many grants to the university.
“The major ones are the ones with the University of Cambridge that have brought over €200,000 into the university and also equipment worth over N143m. She is currently working on another grant that is worth €90,000.”
The event had in attendance, academic scholars, traditional chiefs, family, friends, staff and students of the university.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
