By Tina George, Minna
A professor of Pharmacological Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dickson Musa of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL), has disclosed that answers to Nigeria and world’s several health problems and can be found in the plants that grow around us.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential of becoming a significant player in natural products and traditional medicine if the government gives the sector more attention.
Musa stated this during his inaugural lecture titled, ‘Exploring Nigeria’s natural treasure trove: A pharmacological biochemistry journey from plant to pill’ at the lecture hall of the university.
He said that despite the advancement in medical research, infectious and parasitic diseases continue to be a major global concern, while infectious diseases continue to be the key contributor to health disparities to African population.
“Research into medicinal plants in Nigeria has the potential to lead to the development of new drugs and therapies”.
Musa added that Nigerian ethnimedicone has changed over time due to adjustments to the healthcare system and advancement in technology.
He pointed out that though there has been a shift from ethnimedicine towards modern medicine due to the need for evidence-based treatments, standardization and regulation, traditional healers still play a vital role in rural areas where there are limited access to modern medicine.
Proffering a way to make medications produced from Nigerian medicinal plants acceptable to all Nigerians, the Professor stressed the need for standardization of production and handling methods to ensure the safety and quality plant-based medicines.
He urged the government to provide more support for pharmacological biochemistry research by increasing funding, creating policies and providing incentives for industry partners and do more in promoting the preservation of biodiversity, which is essential for drug discovery efforts.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu applauded the inaugural lecturer saying that the lecture is an eye opener on suggestions of how plants turned to pills can be very beneficial to Nigerians and the health sector.
He challenged scholars who have attained the rank of Professor to rise up to the occasion by showcasing the benefits of their research exploits to the society, while commending the younger professors for their doggedness and resilience in showcasing research exploits.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Conferences and Seminars in the university, Professor Kolawole said that the lecture is of potential benefit to a wide range of professionals and researchers, including Pharmacists, Chemists, pharmaceutical companies and traditional medicine practitioners.
