Varsity Don Warns Poor Research Funding Threatens Brain Health
A Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Emmanuel Esom, has called for sustained investment in neuroscience research, warning that inadequate funding, environmental pollution and unhealthy lifestyles are undermining the nation's capacity to tackle the growing burden of neurological disorders.
He said scientific research must become a central pillar of public health planning and national development if Nigeria is to effectively address emerging brain-related diseases.
Esom made the call while delivering the University's 244th Inaugural Lecture at the Enugu Campus (UNEC), where he presented a lecture titled, "The Vault and the Vandals: Keeping Watch against the Inadvertent Breach to Nature's Best Neural Defence."
The lecture examined the complex biological systems that protect the human brain and highlighted the increasing threats posed by environmental toxins, disease conditions and lifestyle choices to those natural defence mechanisms.
According to the professor, the human brain possesses highly sophisticated protective barriers designed to shield it from harmful substances.
However, he warned that persistent exposure to pollution, toxic chemicals, poor nutrition, preventable diseases and other environmental stressors continues to compromise those barriers, leaving millions vulnerable to neurological disorders that could otherwise be prevented through effective public health interventions.
He therefore advocated stronger collaboration among governments, research institutions, development partners and the private sector to prioritise preventive healthcare, expand scientific research funding and intensify public awareness on healthy lifestyles as critical measures for safeguarding brain health.
Reflecting on the personal experience that shaped his academic journey, Esom disclosed that his decision to specialise in neuroscience was inspired by the devastating spinal cord injury suffered by a close relative, an incident that exposed him to the enormous emotional, social and financial consequences associated with neurological disabilities.
"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.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Esom identified mentorship as one of the most fulfilling aspects of his academic career, revealing that he has supervised and mentored more than 50 researchers in neuroscience, many of whom have risen to become professors and accomplished scientists in universities and research institutions across Nigeria and abroad.
"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 said.
The neuroscientist maintained that no nation can attain sustainable development without placing research at the heart of governance and policymaking, stressing that evidence-based research remains indispensable for solving complex societal problems, improving healthcare outcomes and driving technological innovation.
"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," Esom said.
He also challenged young scholars and professionals to approach adversity with resilience, determination and purpose, encouraging them to regard 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 added.
The inaugural lecture equally served as a celebration of Esom's distinguished contributions to scholarship, mentorship and institutional leadership.
The University of Nigeria honoured him for his outstanding service to teaching, research and academic administration, while students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences presented him with a special award in recognition of his commitment to students' welfare, mentorship and academic excellence.
The Anniri Development Union, his hometown community, alongside professional associations, academic colleagues, friends and associates, also honoured him with awards and goodwill messages for his enduring contributions to science, education and community development.
The event attracted a broad spectrum of participants, including academics, medical practitioners, policymakers, traditional rulers, clergy, students and researchers from within and outside Nigeria, reflecting the growing significance of neuroscience in addressing contemporary public health challenges.
Among the dignitaries present were the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bond Anyaehie; the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka; member of the University of Nigeria Governing Council, Prof. Emmanuel C. Ejim; President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Prof. Anthony Ikefuna; the traditional ruler of Ekpulato Mgbowo, Igwe Greg Ituma (Onyima II); and several other distinguished personalities from academia, government, medicine and the private sector.
Tags:#UNN #Neuroscience #BrainHealth
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