It has been discovered that the cure for many health problems that have bedevilled the populace can be found in the plants that grow abundantly and naturally in Nigeria.
Prof. Dickson Achimugu Musa, Professor of Pharmacological Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; and Inaugural Lecturer at the 21st Inaugural Lecture series of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, titled "Exploring Nigeria's Natural Treasure Trove: A Pharmacological Biochemistry Journey from Plant to Pill", which took place at the university's auditorium yesterday, explained the potency of some naturally growing plants in the treatment of typhoid fever and other bacterial infections.
Prof. Musa, who relived his bitter experience with typhoid fever that defied various efforts of modern medicine until he took a concoction made from plants that were native to Nigeria, said it opened his eyes to the vast potential of Nigeria's natural treasures and kicked off his research journey from plant to pill to share the knowledge with the world.
According to the Professor of Pharmacological Biochemistry, "Our understanding of the ideas of venom versus antidote and antigen against antibody has taught us that mother nature offers remedies for all illnesses.
“Drug research and biotechnology have evolved greatly in recent years, and biodiversity has become a key source of possible novel medications and treatments.
"Researchers can uncover compounds that are useful against particular diseases and develop new therapies and medicines by analysing the natural molecules produced by different species", he added.
Musa, who reiterated the growing interest in natural products and traditional medicine globally, noted that Nigeria has the potential to be a significant player in that field due to its vast array of potential compounds for drug development, medicinal plants, microorganisms, marine organisms, and animals.
As a way forward, the university don recommended that there should be greater collaboration among researchers into medicinal plants; Nigerian universities should invest in research infrastructure and facilities; and the government should provide more support for pharmacological biochemistry research by increasing funding, creating policies, and providing incentives for industry partners, among other recommendations.
Earlier in his address, Professor AK Adamu, Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, and Chairman of the inaugural lecture, said the title of the lecture, "Exploring Nigeria's Natural Treasure Trove: A Pharmacological Biochemistry Journey from Plant to Pill," by the lecturer, which further suggested how plants move to pill was very beneficial to various stakeholders in the health sector, especially pharmaceutical companies.
He pointed out that "most of us may not realise that many of the drugs we are taking are coming from common plants in our houses, in our surroundings, and in our environment".
He stated further that some plants were making us healthy and congratulated Prof. Dickson Musa for being the 21st Inaugural Lecturer and for accepting the challenge, which was critical to every scholar of IBBUL.
The vice chancellor also congratulated some newly promoted professors, adding that, "Just yesterday, IBB University was blessed with 14 professorial cadres".
He said he hoped that very soon some of them would take the challenge to also present their inaugural lectures.
He therefore commended the younger professors for their commitments and resilience.
He said, "Most of them are meeting expectations and have been taking their inaugural lectures within three years, and one of such professors is Dickson Achimugu Musa.
Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of a plaque and certificate to the lecturer.
Members of academia present at the event included the Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, and the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture, Prof. AK Adamu, DVC Academics, Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, Chairman Senate Committee on Seminar and Conference, Prof. VA Kolawole, University Orator , Prof. Sule Egya, and Prof. OFC Nwodo, the inaugural lecturer's supervisor.