By David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, has said professors and research fellows of various fields in the Nigerian universities have the capacity to end the country’s technological backwardness if supported by government.
Ahaneku, who spoke during the 41st inaugural lecture of the university, said Nigeria has professionals in all fields of endeavour, and if given the opportunity to put their wealth of knowledge into practical use, it could change the country’s narrative.
The vice chancellor used Prof Joseph Ikechebelu who delivered the inaugural lecture as an example, saying he recently inaugurated Life International Hospital in Awka which parades the best of medical equipment in the world, and could end medical tourism by Nigerian leaders to United Kingdom, India and other parts of the world.
Ahaneku said like Ikechebelu, a Professor of Obstetrician and Gynecology at the faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, whose hospital was borne out of years of research, if supported, Nigeria professors can commence research in various fields that can help infrastructural development in Nigeria.
“Professionals in the university system must strive to leave legacies they would be remembered for in their profession like Prof Ikechebelu.
“I insist that there is nothing better than professor professing what they are expert in. I commend Prof Ikechebelu for standing tall among his contemporaries in giving back to the society in his area of specialty.
“If Nigerian professors get the support of government to engage in research on their various fields, I am sure we will be able to achieve a lot in this country,†the VC said.
He commended Prof Ikechebelu for not only professing his skills, imparting knowledge and transferring skills but for also saving women from agonies of reproductive system failures in the society.
Earlier, Ikechebelu, shortly after the inauguration of Life International Hospital by state Governor, Willie Obiano, stated that “the hospital built will employ the use of modern scientific technology known as EndoEYE view in the diagnosis and treatment of women related issues and also boost quality healthcare delivery of citizens.â€
He further explained that the EndoEYE system which is available at the hospital, is a high tech system used to examine the woman’s abdomen (laproscopy) and uterus (hysteroscopy) that transmits light which has a small video camera that sends images and video to a monitor or screen, adding that this will ensure accuracy in diagnosis.
