A Professor of Anatomy in the University of Lagos, Professor Ademola Ayodeji Oremosu has called for an unbundling of the Department of Anatomy as currently obtainable in many tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He suggests a re-naming of the department as the Department of Anatomical Sciences with units as: Neurosciences, Reproductive Biology, Optics and Advanced Microscopy, Anthropometry and Growth Science, Gross and Clinical Anatomy, Development Anatomy and Genetics and AI Anatomy to remain relevant to the contemporary realities.
This formed part of Prof. Oremosu’s recommendations while delivering the eleventh inaugural lecture in the 2023/2024 Academic session of UNILAG at the J.F. Ade Ajayi (Main) Auditorium of the university.
Titled “Searching for the Living among the Dead: A Contemporary Anatomist’s Paradigm”, the inaugural lecturer took the congregation through his trajectory of academics and research career in UNILAG.
His lecture combed through the epistemology of Anatomy, its evolution especially in Nigeria and the milestones by founding fathers in the field. He also spoke about the anatomy of conception viz-a-viz assisted reproductive technologies for the management of infertility.
Prof. Oremosu presented his scorecard in areas of anatomy which include: contraception research, the role of Anatomy in improving Cosmetic Surgery, and hormonal control as well as the applicability/relevance of anatomy to certain health conditions.
He also shared his research findings which established the negative effects of alcohol on male fertility, increased sperm cell DNA fragmentation as well as plant-based extracts which promote fertility parameters in experimental animals.
While decrying the current brain drain depleting virtually every field and discipline in Nigeria, Prof. Oremosu also lamented underemployment especially in the Medical profession hence, advocated an award of joint professorial chairs in Clinical and Anatomy Departments.
He also advised management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital to consider appointing honorary consultants who would see to the training of Specialist Doctors in Basic Medical Sciences.
Prof. Oremosu advised academicians and medical researchers to embrace multidisciplinary research with a view to advancing the course of medicine and making it relational.
Born of the 4th of March, 1965, Professor Ademola Oremosu joined the employ of the University of Lagos as a lecturer in the Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine on the 8th of October, 1991 at the age of 26. He obtained a Master’s degree in Anatomy in 1993, a Doctorate degree in 2009 and became a Professor in 2019.
Prof Oremosu has served the university in various capacities including being the University Orator from 2021 till date.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Ayo Oloyede
