The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has challenged young biomedical scientists to harness emerging technologies, deepen research and develop homegrown innovations capable of transforming healthcare delivery and advancing humanity.
Opeifa gave the charge at the 12th Annual Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), which brought together medical scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers and academics to discuss strategies for strengthening biomedical research and innovation.
Reflecting on his academic journey at the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos, Opeifa acknowledged the role of the strong educational foundation he received in shaping his professional career.
He described medical scientists as the engine room of the healthcare sector, urging students to make the most of their academic and clinical training to position themselves for global competitiveness.
He further encouraged young scholars to cultivate a strong research culture, keep abreast of developments in global medicine and explore emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
Opeifa stressed the importance of African-led research and indigenous innovation, urging the next generation of scientists to develop solutions that address local healthcare challenges rather than depend solely on innovations from other parts of the world.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Strengthening Biomedical Sciences for Innovation and Effective Research Outcomes: Strategies for Improved Healthcare”, the Director of Clinical Chemistry at Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana, United States, Dr. Kwaku Baryeh, emphasised the need for stronger research partnerships and commitment to scientific integrity.
Baryeh, who delivered his address virtually, said collaboration and wider 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, called for multi-sectoral collaboration among healthcare professionals, while highlighting the importance of sustained mentorship to nurture young researchers.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, who is Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and Managing Partner of Andersen Consulting, also advocated stronger partnerships between universities, research institutions and funding organisations to promote research development and innovation.
In his remarks, the Provost of CMUL, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, described the conference theme as timely, stressing that Basic Medical Sciences must be recognised beyond their traditional role as a preclinical requirement in medical education.
He said the discipline remained fundamental to medical innovation, drug discovery, vaccine development and diagnostic advancement.
“The Basic Sciences are a foundation, the engine room and indeed the future of medicine. Without strong biomedical science, there is no innovation, no drug discovery, no vaccines, and no diagnostics, and we remain mere consumers of other people’s innovations”, Oremosu said.
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 Omilabu, in recognition of their contributions.