Nigerian scientists must move from curative to preventive research ― VC

Prof. Samuel Alao, the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun, says Nigerian scientists must align with their foreign counterparts and move from curative to preventive research.

Alao gave the charge at the 3rd Annual Zonal Symposium of the Nigerian Society for Microbiology organised by the South West Zone of the society at Adeleke University.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the theme of the symposium was “Harnessing Microbial Potentials for Sustainable Development.”

The vice chancellor said scientists in advanced countries do not wait for outbreaks of infections or diseases before looking for cures.

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According to him, scientists in advanced countries are always pro-active in conducting research to prevent infections and diseases from breaking out.

He, however, said that while Nigerian scientists were trying their best, the times were trying for them to operate optimally.

“All the research, proposals and papers written several years ago that can solve the problems of this country are not used or even thrown into the trash bin.

“Nigerian microbiologists have worked on preventive measures, but their efforts and their works do not get recognition because they don’t get to the right quarters.

“What is termed as mysterious deaths can be stopped with a research of microbiologists, but these scientists are not given the desired recognition.

“I will just implore you (microbiologists) to keep on doing your work and keep trying because, without you, humans will go into extinction,” he said.

In his keynote address, Dr Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM), said microbes (micro-organisms), which were created by God could be harnessed to find cures for diseases and boost human development.

Olukoya, a microbiologist, was represented by the Vice Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Prof. Ayoolabi Elijah.

Citing scientific research and theology, the popular cleric, who spoke on the theme, said microbes were co-created with living things.

He equally stated that microbes were weapons in the hands of God for human advancement and punishment.

In her address of welcome, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, the Local Organising Committee Chairperson on the symposium, said microorganisms are innocent and if used positively could advance human existence.

She, however, said they could be wrongly used as agents of biological warfare.

Oyawoye quoted her mentor as telling her that “the future of the country lies in the hands of scientists.”

She urged microbiologists to harness the potentials in microbes to advance the development of the country.