By – Sonaike Peter

The management of the University of Ibadan on Friday, June 14th, 2024 launched an ‘Antimicrobial Resistance Club’ at the Faculty of Social Science’s Large Lecture Theater.

During the launch, Professor Ayodele Jegede from the Department of Sociology stressed the importance of responsible antibiotic use and health maintenance practices, while cautioning against self-medication.

“Ignorance is a disease and that is why our club aims at raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance among students from diverse academic backgrounds,” Professor Jegede said.

The inaugural featured the induction of new members into the club, a question and answer session, and the provision of refreshments for attendees.

Speaking to Indypress, Abdulbasit Hamza, a 500-level student studying Veterinary Medicine and serving as the club’s President, highlighted the mission of the club as ‘to educate students as advocates for antimicrobial awareness and public health issues’.

“The club is for University of Ibadan students, not just only medical or science students, but students from diverse faculties,” he noted.

“We aim to empower students with the knowledge of antimicrobic existence. Educating them to be advocates, carrying out public awareness,” he added.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Victoria Adetunji noted that microbial diseases are a silent pandemic, and only a collaborative approach can ameliorate it.

The event was attended by key figures such as the Vice-chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, represented by the Deputy Vice-chancellor (Academics) Professor Aderonke; Dr. Ogunbosin Babatunde, from the Department of Pediatrics; Professor Ayodele Jegede from the Department of Sociology; the Students’ Union President, Bolaji Aweda, among others.