Opeifa Urges Young Biomedical Scientists To Champion Research, Innovation
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has urged young biomedical scientists to embrace research, innovation and emerging technologies as critical tools for advancing healthcare and addressing Africa’s medical challenges.
Opeifa made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 12th Annual Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), attended by medical scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers, academics and students.
Reflecting on his academic journey through the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos, Opeifa said the solid educational foundation he received had significantly shaped his professional career and leadership.
Describing biomedical scientists as the “engine room” of the healthcare sector, he encouraged students and young researchers to make the most of their academic and clinical training in order to compete globally.
He stressed the importance of embracing cutting-edge research, keeping pace with rapid developments in medical science and harnessing emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to drive innovation. Opeifa also underscored the need for African-led research and homegrown solutions capable of transforming healthcare delivery across the continent.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Strengthening Biomedical Sciences for Innovation and Effective Research Outcomes: Strategies for Improved Healthcare,” the Director of Clinical Chemistry at Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana, United States, Dr. Kwaku Baryeh, called for stronger collaboration among researchers and unwavering commitment to research integrity.
Delivering his presentation virtually, Baryeh said broad stakeholder participation and strategic partnerships were essential to producing credible scientific findings and improving healthcare outcomes.
Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Clinical Trials and Implementation Science at the University of Lagos, Prof. Bosede Bukola Afolabi, advocated sustained mentorship for young researchers and stronger multi-sectoral collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, emphasised the need for closer partnerships between universities, research institutions and funding organisations to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, described the conference theme as timely, noting that Basic Medical Sciences should be recognised not merely as a preclinical discipline but as the foundation of medical innovation.
“The Basic Sciences are the foundation, the engine room and indeed the future of medicine. Without strong biomedical science, there can be no innovation, no drug discovery, no vaccines and no diagnostics. Otherwise, we remain consumers of other people’s innovations,” he said.
The conference also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Yusuf, Opeifa and the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Sunday Aremu Omilabu, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, research and national development.
