Get Guardian on GoogleThe Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has urged young biomedical scientists to take advantage of emerging opportunities in research and technology to develop homegrown solutions capable of transforming healthcare delivery.
Opeifa made the call at the 12th Annual Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), where he addressed medical scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers and academics.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Strengthening Biomedical Sciences for Innovation and Effective Research Outcomes: Strategies for Improved Healthcare,” Opeifa stressed the importance of research, innovation and continuous learning in preparing young scientists to compete globally.
Reflecting on his academic experiences at the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos, he said the educational foundation he received had significantly influenced his professional career.
He described medical scientists as the “engine room” of the healthcare sector and urged students to maximise their academic and clinical training while developing the skills required to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of medicine.
Opeifa also encouraged young researchers to remain abreast of developments in global medicine and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, while prioritising African-led research that addresses the continent’s specific healthcare challenges.
He said greater emphasis should be placed on developing indigenous technologies and solutions rather than relying excessively on innovations developed elsewhere.
Also speaking at the conference, the Director of Clinical Chemistry at Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana, United States, Dr Kwaku Baryeh, called for stronger collaboration among researchers and greater commitment to research integrity.
Baryeh, who addressed the gathering virtually, said effective partnerships and broader stakeholder participation were critical to generating credible research outcomes and improving healthcare delivery.
Similarly, the Director of the Centre for Clinical Trials and Implementation Science, University of Lagos, Prof. Bosede Bukola Afolabi, advocated stronger collaboration across sectors and sustained mentorship for young researchers.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and Managing Partner of Andersen Consulting, also called for closer partnerships among universities, research institutions and funding organisations to strengthen research capacity and outcomes.
In his remarks, the Provost of CMUL, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, said the conference theme was particularly relevant, stressing that Basic Medical Sciences should no longer be viewed merely as a preclinical requirement but as the foundation of medical innovation.
He said strong biomedical sciences were essential to drug discovery, vaccine development, diagnostics and other medical breakthroughs, warning that weak research capacity would leave Nigeria dependent on innovations developed elsewhere.
The opening ceremony featured the presentation of awards of excellence to Yusuf, Opeifa and the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Sunday Aremu Omilabu.
