The MBBS Class of 1979 held a Public Lecture on Friday, 21st of June as part of the activities for its 45th Anniversary and Reunion. The lecture titled: “Let food be thy medicine: The role of precision Medicine” held at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre.
The event started with an opening prayer and recitation of the anthems. The host, Dr Adeniyi introduced the invited guests. The Vice Chancellor; Prof Kayode Adebowale who was also Chairman of the occasion welcomed the 1979 class, invited guests and their teachers.
This was followed by the Provost’s Remarks in which she acknowledged the 1979 class as a pace-setter among the alumni. She recounted that the class had begun sponsoring indigent students in medical school even before the College “Sponsor a student” programme was launched. She also mentioned that they had contributed millions of Naira to the ongoing students’ hostel project and sought their generosity towards seeing the project to the end. She emphasised the importance of the contributions of the alumni towards the development of the College and thanked them for their continued support.
She also recognised several dignitaries and her teachers in attendance; the ICOMAA worldwide President; Prof Emmanuel Otolorin, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic; Prof Baiyeroju, the Director of the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT); Prof Ikeoluwapo Ajayi, first female ICOMAA Worldwide President; Prof Wuraola Shokunbi, Prof ABO Desalu, Prof AO Osuntokun, Prof Oluyemisi Bamgbose amongst others.
The guest lecturer was Dr Oluyemisi Folake Folasire; the acting Head of Department of the Human Nutrition Department and a Consultant Family Physician. She mentioned that the title of the lecture was inspired by the quote from Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”. She cautioned the attendees to watch what and how they eat as diet contributed a significant part to health.
Speaking about precision medicine, she said, “Precision medicine is an innovative technique that uses information about an individual’s genomic, metabolomic, sociocultural and lifestyle to understand their metabolism and wellbeing”. She explained the concept of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, emphasising that the nutrients we consume affect our genes, just as our genes affect the way we metabolise nutrients.
She remarked that “obesity is a disease” and highlighted the consistent rise in obesity in Nigeria and across the world. “The traditional Nigerian diet is full of fibre, lean protein and low in sugar and fat, but due to globalisation, this has changed. Processed foods are being consumed more”. Addressing the elders in the audience, she mentioned that increasing age is a risk factor for obesity. However, she encouraged them to eat more vegetables and engage in moderate physical activity throughout the day.
Prof Baiyeroju gave presents and appreciated the teachers in attendance. In his closing remarks, Prof Otolorin thanked everyone in attendance and stated that he looked forward to the 1979 class’ 50th anniversary. The programme ended with a closing prayer by the Chaplain to the Provost’s Administration, Prof Samuel Omokhodion.
Aisha Ibrahim
