Scientific paradigms in artificial procreation such as In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG), and the use of Stem Cells aided by Artificial Intelligence have been identified as the future of fertility and family planning.
This formed the core of the 5th Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Annual Lecture in Obstetrics and Gynaecology delivered on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi Araba.
Titled Mankind’s Journey to a New Age of Artificial Procreation and Family Planning, the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, OON, took the gathering through the various stages of evolution in human procreation. He highlighted the different forms of fertility and associated challenges which, according to him, necessitated research efforts and exploration of other applicable options in solving complex fertility issues.
While acknowledging the milestones of Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Oagie and Professor Oladapo Ashiru in pioneering Human In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Nigeria, Dr. Wada accentuated In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG) as being an improvement on IVF and Xenobots (which involves the use of Stem Cells aided by Artificial Intelligence) as other scientific breakthroughs which would change the game in fertility and family planning.
The CEO of NISA Medical Group enumerated the enormous benefits and concerns over the ethical and legal implications of the new technologies in artificial procreation and family planning. He implored youths to maximize their prime fertility windows for childbearing, while also affirming the potency of the new paradigms to address some human/natural fertility barriers such as menopause in women or azoospermia in men.
Earlier in her address as the Chairman of the 5th Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Annual Lecture, Professor Olasurubomi Ogedengbe lauded organizers and sponsors of the lecture for the commitment to education and women’s health.
She acknowledged the growth and successes of women in virtually all aspects of the medical profession and showered encomiums on the late Barrister Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele, especially for her interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Also in his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Annual Lecture, Professor Oluwole Familoni appreciated the family for the interest and commitment to promoting health care, reproductive education and family planning through the annual lecture.
Prof. Familoni adjudged the annual gathering as a beckon of hope, knowledge, enlightenment and progress in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
There were also remarks from the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Professor David Oke and the Special Guest of Honour, Madam Angela Branco who was represented by Dr Bolaji Akerele. They both paid glowing tributes to late Barrister Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele, describing her as an epitome of philanthropy selflessness, discipline and transparency.
Prof. Oke and Dr Akerele applauded the family’s commitment to the lecture and assured of its contribution towards promoting the desired awareness in Obstetrics and Gynaecology through the University of Lagos.
Other highlights of the event which was attended by pupils and students from selected secondary schools included: presentation of Certificates of Excellence to the immediate past Bursar of the University of Lagos, Dr Lekan Lawal, immediate past Registrar, Oladejo Azeez, Esq, Chairman of the lecture being the first Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Sub-Saharan Africa, Professor Olasurubomi Ogedengbe and the Guest Lecturer, Dr Ibrahim Wada, OON.
The Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Annual Lecture is one of the legacies late Mrs Frederica Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele gifted to the University of Lagos in her last Will and Testament.
