Fides Media Living the Faith
By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, has identified over prescription of antibiotics, non-completion of prescribed drugs, overuse of antibiotics in livestock, poor infection control in hospitals and clinics, lack of hygiene and poor sanitation as some causes of resistance by microbes.
The Vice Chancellor, who made the disclosure when he delivered the 49th Inaugural Lecture at the university auditorium, said microbes had both beneficial and tragic components.
Professor Esimone warned that microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa algae were capable of eliminating man from the surface of the earth if neglected.
Professor Esimone, who said that microorganisms had killed billions of men over the centuries, harped on the need to exploit microbes, which according to him, were originally created to help man in quest for longevity as well as create wealth and enrich food via fermentation.
Earlier, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, who chaired the occasion Alhaji Azeez Oladotu Bello, represented by Alhaji Bollo Modibo, said the Inaugural lecture, which according to him commenced in 1623 as among University Cardinal components, offered a veritable platform to showcase the research work of the lecturer and relevance of their discipline.
In an interview, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Professor Israel Okoye; wife of the Vice Chancellor, Dr Chinyere Esimone; Professor Stella Okunna; Mr. Val Ayika, member representing Njikoka, Dunukofia, Anaocha Federal Constituency and the SUG president, UNIZIK, Comrade Nelson Omenugha; in their separate remarks commended the recommendations made by the lecturer, describing them is eye openers and recommend them to be domesticated to the rural communities.
They said Nigeria as a developing nation should key into the global fight against the neglect of microbes to sustain the efficacy of available antimicrobials in order to curb the spread through proper detection and reporting.
The Inaugural lecture which had its theme, “Our fight against unseen enemies, the microbes”, attracted traditional rulers, including Obi of Onitsha Nnaemeka Achebe; immediate past vice Chancellor Professor, Joseph Ahaneku; members of the academic community and other distinguished personalities.