The 244th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), delivered by the University’s Professor of Neuroscience, Professor Emmanuel Anayochukwu Esom, was more than an academic ceremony. It evolved into a compelling national conversation on brain health, scientific research, and the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace evidence-based solutions to its developmental challenges.
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Held at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), the event attracted an impressive gathering of distinguished academics, policymakers, medical professionals, traditional rulers, clergy, students, and other invited guests, all united in celebrating one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars in Anatomy and Neuroscience.
The clergy was also well represented by Rev. Fr. Anthony Azinta; Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ndebisi; Rev. Fr. Christian Eze; Rev. Fr. Dr. John Madubuko; Rev Fr (Dr) Onwuham Akpa – a Neuro-Economist from USA, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ofodile; Rev. Fr. Tony Akachukwu; Rev. Fr. Cosmas Nneji; Rev. Fr. Emma Ibe; Rev. Sr. Dr. Vivian Oti, Consultant Neurologist at the ESUT Teaching Hopsital; Rev. Sr. Concilia Eke of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu; and Rev. Sr. Oby Ugwuja.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie; the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka; member of the University of Nigeria Governing Council, Professor Emmanuel C. Ejim; Chairman of the occasion, Professor J. U. J. Onwumere; Former Provosts of the College of Medicine, Emeritus Professor E. N. Onwasigwe; and Prof Uchenna Nwagha, Provost of Godfrey Okoye University College of Medicine, Emeritus Professor Frank Akpuaka, Venerable Professor U. F. Ezepue, The President of the National Postgraduate Medical College, Professor Anthony Ikefuna; Professor Kenechukwu Ilo; Professor Ngozi Njeze; Professor Emmanuel Obikili; Professor Joy Eze; Dean of Dentistry, Professor Linda Oge Okoye; Professor F. E. Ejezie; Professor B. N. Chukwu; Professor Jude Udenta; Director of Research and Collaborations, Professor Casmir Igbokwe; the Head of Anatomy Department, Associate Professor A. U. Agu; several former inaugural lecturers of the University; His Royal Highness, Igwe Engr. Greg Ituma (Onyima II of Ekpulato Mgbowo); President-General of Ekpulato Mgbowo Community, Chief Peter Amah; former Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, Chief Dr. Alex Ogbonna; and Professor Esom’s wife, Mrs. Esther Onyinye Esom, whose presence underscored the family’s unwavering support for his distinguished academic career, among many other eminent personalities.
Several eminent personalities also participated virtually, including former Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Governing Council of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Dr (Sir) Peter Odili; Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Professor Smith Jaja; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor H. B. Fawehinmi; Vice-Chancellor of Newgate University, Minna, Professor Sadiq Yusuf.
Professor Esom, who has served the University in several capacities, including Head of Department, Associate Dean, and Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, is currently the National President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (SECAN). He is also a member of the Programme Committee of the International Society for Neurochemistry Congress, Kyoto 2027. As a distinguished Professor of Anatomy and Neuroscience, he delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled, “The Vault and the Vandals: Keeping Watch against the Inadvertent Breach to Nature’s Best Neural Defence”
Drawing on decades of scientific research and practical experience, Professor Esom explained the intricate biological systems that protect the human brain, describing them as nature’s most sophisticated neural defence mechanisms. He warned that unhealthy lifestyles, environmental pollution, toxic substances, disease conditions, and other preventable factors continue to compromise these natural protective barriers, exposing millions to avoidable neurological disorders.
He stressed that safeguarding brain health should become a national priority through preventive healthcare, healthy living, public enlightenment, and sustained investment in scientific research.
Beyond the scientific presentation, Professor Esom shared the deeply personal experience that inspired his lifelong commitment to neuroscience.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the lecture, he recounted how a close relative suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that permanently altered the young man’s life and plunged the family into emotional and financial hardship.
Professor of Anatomy/ Neuroscience
“I wanted to study spinal cord injuries because I had a cousin who suffered one. It was painful to watch a young man become permanently incapacitated while the family struggled with the consequences. That experience pushed me into neuroscience research,” he said.
Today, that defining moment has culminated in decades of pioneering research, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading authorities in Anatomy and Neuroscience.
Professor Esom also described mentorship as one of the greatest accomplishments of his academic career, revealing that he has mentored more than 50 researchers in the field of neuroscience. According to him, several of his mentees have attained professorship, while many others continue to make remarkable contributions in universities and research institutions across Nigeria and beyond.
“When I ventured into neuroscience, very few people were interested. I deliberately opened the field and encouraged younger scientists to come in. Today, many are doing exceptionally well, and in the next ten years, Nigeria will have neuroscientists who can compete anywhere in the world,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that sustained investment in mentorship would position Nigeria among nations making significant contributions to global neuroscience research.
Professor Esom maintained that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development without placing research at the centre of governance and policymaking. He observed that while developed nations depend heavily on scientific evidence to formulate policies and solve societal challenges, research in Nigeria remains grossly underfunded and underutilised.
“Research tells us why something failed and how it can be improved. If the government and the organised private sector invest seriously in research, many of the problems confronting our society will gradually disappear,” he said.
He therefore urged governments, private organisations, and development partners to view research as a strategic investment capable of transforming healthcare, education, technology, and national development.
Encouraging young scholars and professionals, Professor Esom challenged them to see obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than barriers to success.
“See obstacles as challenges, not as difficulties impossible. Once you decide to confront them with determination and perseverance, and with God on your side, success will surely come,” he advised.
The inaugural lecture also became an occasion to celebrate Professor Esom’s exceptional contributions to scholarship, mentorship, and institutional development.
The University of Nigeria honoured him for his outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership. Students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, where he serves as Dean, presented him with a special award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to students’ welfare, mentorship, and academic excellence.
Staff members from Aninri and Awgu Local Government Areas also presented goodwill awards to the distinguished professor in appreciation of his remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions to education, science, and humanity.
The awards, presentations, and glowing tributes drew prolonged applause from the audience, reflecting the immense respect Professor Esom commands among colleagues, students, professional associates, and members of his community.
Far beyond fulfilling a long-standing academic tradition, Professor Esom’s 244th Inaugural Lecture served as a powerful reminder that the future of healthcare and national development depends largely on Nigeria’s commitment to scientific research and innovation.
His central message was unmistakable: protecting the human brain requires not only personal responsibility through healthy lifestyles but also deliberate investment by governments, institutions, and the private sector in research capable of providing lasting solutions to the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
As the audience rose in a standing ovation at the conclusion of the lecture, one enduring message resonated throughout the auditorium: Nigeria’s scientific future will ultimately be determined by the value it places on research today.
By REFMEDIAGIST
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