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The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is not letting up on its avowed determination to re-configure African Studies and to promote research for integration.
On Wednesday, August 28, on the occasion of the 2024 African Traditional Medicine Day, the Institute put research to action by commissioning a Traditional Medicine Research and Practice Hub, with the complements of a Herbal Sauna and Botanical Garden.
At the official opening of the facilities, the Director of IADS, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye underscored the paradigm-shifting nature of the work being done by researchers at the Institute.
His words: “Today, we open a Traditional Medicine Research and Practice Hub, the first of its kind in any Nigerian university. The IADS is just about 7 years in existence but we have continued to push the envelope with the kind of research projects we have embarked upon, engaging with our funders and partners in the industry to produce research outputs that are useful to the society. With the establishment of these facilities, the IADS is making history in the development and promotion of African traditional medicine; and it’s a matter of time before the full significance of what we are doing here today becomes evident to all.”
He applauded the pioneering effort of a Senior Research Fellow at the institute, Dr. Akin Otiko, for championing the idea of the research hub, describing it as “proof of the relevance of our researchers at the IADS and their abilities to address the issues of the day with their work.”
Kenyan Muse
Dr. Akin Otiko, a specialist in the Religions, Cultures and Traditional Medicine of Africa, disclosed the origins of the idea behind the research hub.
“While away in Kenya on Fellowship, I noticed how seamlessly they infused traditional herbal medicine with their health and wellness practices. So, I thought that we could replicate the idea here, given our rich biodiversity. This research hub will provide the platform for our students to practice what they learn in class and there will also be a resident consultant on ground who will guide people who seek to address their health concerns with the richness of herbal medicine. The Herbal Sauna is a game changer! It’s the first of its kind in any Nigerian university and it promises to raise the standard in health and wellness in our country”, he said.
A successful outcome of town-gown collaboration, the Traditional Medicine Research and Practice Hub which is jointly promoted by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) and GL Clinic, is now open to receive clients.
Keynote, Panel, Presentations, and Exhibition
Prior to the commissioning of the research hub, commemoration of the Traditional Medicine Day, the fourth of its kind, had commenced at the J.P. Clark building of the IADS with the opening of a two-day exhibition of herbs and herbal medicinal products by licensed practitioners.
On hand to deliver the Keynote Address was the Registrar of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Mr. Babatunde Adele. He was represented by a senior member of the institution, Mr. Bello Hakeem.
He maintained that “Traditional Medicine has been the backbone of African health systems for centuries and, if well catered to and standardised, it has immense potentials for the delivery of adequate healthcare services to the largest number of Nigerians, especially at the primary health care level”.
He added that “For the longest time, Lagos State had recognized the importance of standardised Traditional Medicine practice. That is why, over 40 years ago, the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande established the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board to regulate and promote it. Today, we have over 6,000 practitioners of Traditional Medicine trained and registered with us.”
He advocated for more government and private capital support for traditional medicine research and development, highlighting its practitioners as the more faithful to the healthcare aspirations of the country compared to orthodox medicine practitioners who have a higher tendency to “Japa” (i.e. migrate for greener pastures).
Thereafter, a four-man panel of Dr. Olawole Olakunle, Prof. Abimbola Sowemimo, Mrs Bolanle Alabede, and Dr. Adeyemi Ogundele dissected the subject of African Traditional Medicine, looking at its perils and prospects in an age of rapid digitization. That Africa should push its own medical science thinking and practice, backing it up with peer-reviewed and widely publicized evidence was the gist of their submissions.
In groups, and in fulfilment of their requirement for the course, “African Traditional Medicine: Theories & Practice”, Master of Arts (MA) students of the Institute made presentations on their respective field research on different herbs and their medicinal utility for various ailments.
The World Health Organisation (WHO, African Region) celebrates August 31 of every year as Traditional Medicine Day in recognition of the enduring significance of African Traditional Medicine and its integral role in enhancing health and well-being across the African continent.
REPORT: Isaiah Kumuyi
PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Joshua
Source: UNILAG
