ASHENEWS reports that the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN) has been urged to find solutions to some of the neurogenetic crises and diseases confronting Nigerians.
The Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Professor Haruna Ayuba, made this call while declaring the 21st Annual Conference of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria open at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa state.
Ayuba said that the theme of the conference, ‘Landscape of neurogenetic diseases’, is apt due to the negative impact of neurogenetic diseases on health services and economies of several countries across the world, including Nigeria.
“Neurogenetic diseases are caused by defects in one or more genes which affect the nervous system. These diseases affect both the young and the elderly. They are typically chronic and debilitating and in some cases, they are degenerating and life threatening.
“If the Neuroscience Society can find a cure for any of these diseases, we would save many lives. I hope at the end of this conference, we will be able to identify the genetic factors that are responsible for these diseases and profile the mono-genetic and complex neurogenetic diseases that are peculiar to our environment.
“I also hope that this conference will be able to characterize the therapeutic approaches that have been developed in the treatment of some of these diseases to maximize neuro function and minimize complications.”
The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the conference would be a platform for bigger conversations that will bring about solutions to neurogenetic crises in Nigeria.
“I hope that at the end of this conference, we will be able to deploy cutting-edge techniques in the diagnosis of these neurogenetic diseases and the advancement of personalized clinical care. With the range of experts that have been assembled at this conference, I do not doubt that the discussion would be decisive and robust. I hope it won’t stop at the theme but will leverage the outcomes of our scientific research findings to provide hope for the future.”
The President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, Professor Bamidele Victor Owoyele said that the conference will provide continuing education, networking and career opportunities.
He added that the theme of the year is focused on looking at a specialized area of neuroscience that requires genetic modifications and adequate studies coupled with specialized management of the disorders.
He said that the speakers, who are seasoned experts in the field, would have discussions that are constructive and diagnostic, which would make the NSN a stronger force in advocacy and understanding of Neuroscience.
Owoyele said that the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria is a multi-disciplinary society that is focused on the study and research of the nervous system adding that its members study the nervous system in health and diseases and are also involved in the management of neurological ailments.
“Our members cut across various disciplines such as anatomy, biochemistry, medical laboratory science, medicine, neurobiology, neurology, pharmacology, physiology, radiology, veterinary medicine, and surgery, amongst others.”
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Associate Professor Angela Danborno, disclosed that the 21st NSN conference had the highest registration in recent years, stating that this showed the growing interest and engagement in our field.
” We have 93 faculty members, 118 postgraduate students and 36 undergraduate students registered as attendees. This diverse representation reflects the vibrant and inclusive nature of our community, spanning across all levels of academic and professional development.”
Danborno said that the conference is being held in a hybrid format allowing participants to join both physically and virtually,” this approach ensures that our discussion and knowledge sharing are accessible to a wider audience, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and global collaboration. “
The Society inducted Professor Banabas Danborno as a Fellow of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria as a result of his consistent and invaluable service to the Neuroscience Society and the nation at large.
