A professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Elkenah Ndie has called for the adoption of Nigerian diets as part of measures to promote nutrition in public health.
Ndie made the call on Thursday in Abuja while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed, “Nursing Science: An Applied Science Care for All.”
The don, who lectures in the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said the call became necessary to highlight the grave impact of poverty and income inequality on food accessibility.
“There is a need for robust nutritional education to improve dietary choices, especially among vulnerable populations.”
Presenting the lecture at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja, Ndie revealed that his research focused on the availability, accessibility and quality of food, particularly in rural areas.
He highlighted the importance of food security and urged policymakers to address the systemic barriers, to improve national health outcomes.
“There is the connection between drivers’ health and road safety; many commercial drivers in Nigeria suffer from health issues such as hypertension and high blood sugar; this is worsened by poor dietary habits and substance abuse.
“Many drivers miss meals, rely on alcohol or drugs to stay awake and lack access to regular health check-ups,” Ndie said.
He emphasised the significant risks the behaviour posed to road safety and called for the establishment of workplace clinics for transport companies to address the challenges.
Ndie also recommended a mandatory nutritional education for drivers and a stricter enforcement of drug and alcohol testing policies as part of measures to address the challenges.
The lecturer, who emphasised the important role of nurses in addressing public health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, called for the collaboration of healthcare professionals, policymakers and community members, to improve health outcomes.
Ndie challenged the misconception of nursing as a “female profession.”
According to him, the nurturing qualities of nurses transcend gender, making them essential contributors to patient care and public health.
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, commended the inaugural lecturer for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.
He described the lecture’s theme as a critical exploration of care’s transformative power in health and society.
Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Chinedu Mafiana, said nurses had become the backbone of healthcare systems.
“The work of nurses goes beyond medical interventions to fostering holistic well-being; their impact is felt in every aspect of our lives,” Peters said.
He commended the organisers and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to advancing excellence in education and health sciences.
The vice-chancellor also congratulated the Faculty of Health Sciences and advocated for a continued innovation and dedication to improving lives through care and education.
NAN
