The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, has reiterated its commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.
Consequently, it is positioning a forthcoming medical conference themed “Precision in Practice: Integrating Diagnostic Therapeutics and Clinical Insight for Patient-Centred Care” as a pivotal step in closing the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and patient care.
Speaking at a news briefing ahead of the conference in Lagos, the Provost of the College, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, said: “This theme reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.”
He added that effective healthcare depends on stronger links between research, diagnostics, and treatment in a way that ultimately improves the quality of care delivered to patients.
He noted that the new faculty is expected to play a central role in reshaping Nigeria’s healthcare indicators by turning evidence into practice.
“We must emphasise that we must improve all the statistics on healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“This faculty starts at a pivotal point in helping us make the statistics better than they used to be. Mortality rates will come down and other outcomes will improve,” he said.
“We are confident that this conference will set a new standard, one that emphasises impact, collaboration, and innovation,” he added.
He said the conference, scheduled for June 23 to June 25, would bring together academics, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers.
He noted that it would be a milestone for the faculty as it seeks to reposition basic clinical sciences as a central driver of healthcare delivery, innovation, and patient outcomes in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to him, the meeting is expected to generate practical solutions that can strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve patient outcomes across the region.
The Dean of the faculty, Prof. Fatima Abdulkareem, said the faculty was established with a bold vision to become a centre of excellence driving innovation, impactful research, and world-class education with both local impact and global relevance.
She said the forthcoming conference is the first major public demonstration of that vision since the faculty was established about nine months ago.
“The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences is taking a bold step by convening what is truly the first conference of its kind within the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, intentionally designed to connect science more directly with practice and patient care.
“This faculty is not new in spirit. It is a formal expression of work that has been built, refined, and sustained over the years. For decades, we have trained and empowered some of Nigeria’s finest medical professionals.
“What this new faculty represents is clarity of purpose, stronger identity, and a renewed commitment to excellence,” she said.
She added that the conference would introduce the faculty to the world, anchored in precision medicine, driven by innovation, and defined by a strong commitment to clinical excellence.
She said the theme reflects current healthcare realities, noting that it calls for better alignment between research, diagnostics, and clinical decision-making to improve patient care.
In his remarks, the Conference Chairman, Prof. Titilope Adeyemo, said the conference would demonstrate how the institution is redefining healthcare delivery and training through collaborative diagnosis, integrated virtual and physical clinical training.
He said it would highlight the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning as teaching and clinical support tools, as well as hands-on, student-led clinical practice.
He added that beyond showcasing progress, the conference is an invitation to co-create the future by engaging alumni and partners across sectors to shape the next era of healthcare in Nigeria.
Dr Lawal Bakare said the institution is leveraging decades of research to position itself as a premier scientific hub for Africa and the global Black community.
He noted that the college, founded nearly 65 years ago, holds a vast body of knowledge relevant to the continent.
He recalled landmark moments in its history, including the diagnosis of Nigeria’s first Ebola case and first COVID-19 case, as well as early identification of monkeypox cases.
According to him, the college now aims to convert its research strength into a recurring international scientific gathering in Lagos focused on tropical medicine and diagnostics.
“We hope this becomes one of those scientific conferences people put on their calendar,” he said.
He argued that stronger local capacity could reduce the need for professionals to seek specialist training abroad.
“When it’s time to study tropical medicine diagnostics in a tropical environment, you don’t need to go to Alabama… tropical medicine is here,” he said, urging the media to spotlight the college’s work.
Mr Wake Olajubu, Executive Director of the Health Business Academy for Africa (HBA), said the conference must move beyond discussion to deliver measurable impact.
He said Africa’s healthcare future will be shaped not only by clinical excellence but by how well science, systems, and strategy are connected.
According to him, the conference is positioned as a platform to align research, business, and regulation to address real-world challenges, with follow-up training, executive sessions, and collaborations planned to strengthen institutions and improve patient outcomes across the continent.
He added that HBA is ready to support the conference beyond logistics, ensuring that discussions translate into measurable impact through structured follow-up and strategic collaboration.
