FG to Prioritize Neuroscience Education, Research and Treatment of Neurological Diseases

The Federal Government and other stake holders have been urged to give priority to funding of research works on Neuroscience for improved mental health care. Experts under the edges of Ilorin Neuroscience Global Advocacy made the call at the opening ceremony of the three day global Neuroscience Engagement and Advocacy Program holding in Ilorin the Kwara state Capital.

Speaking on the theme “Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Neuroscience Education, Research and Treatment of Neurological Diseases“, Prof. Musa Yakubu of the department of biochemistry in university of Ilorin expressed concern over the poor funding of research in the country which according to him is affecting meaningful breakthrough in all fields of study.

Professor Yakubu stressed the needs for stakeholders, captain of industries, Pharmacists and philanthropies to sponsor projects and give grants to neuroscience researchers to tackle neurological diseases.

The funding has not been anything to write home about, stakeholders in the Pharmaceutical Industries should come around for support.

Also, Prof. Oluwale Akinola of the department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, explained that the program is aimed at enlightening the public on the importance of researches in proffering solution to the challenges of human mental health and bridging knowledge gap.

The head Physiology Department, University of Ilorin and President Ilorin Neuroscience Group, Professor Bamidele Owoyele said the brain is the most important organ that coordinates all the activities of the body, he advised people to exercise caution to avoid brain damage.

We must watch what we eat, some people become addicted to certain thing and it has effect on the brain, the brain itself is one asset that we have that every one of us must carefully maintain. It is possible for some parts of our body no to work but when the brain stops the individual is dead.

Contributing, Dr. Hidayat AbdulGafar of the Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin, Enumerated factors responsible for Neurological Diseases majorly to include:

1. Drug Addiction
2. Depression – due to family issues, economic difficulties.
3. Genetic Predisposition.

Dr. Hidayat called for strict regulation on access to drugs.

The three day Ilorin Global Neuroscience Engagement and Advocacy Program featured discussions that borders on Neurological Diseases, Challenges and Research funding as well as curriculum development for Neuroscience and the teachings of the Nervous System.