PAAU VC GRACES THE 1ST DR. BUSAYO EMMANUEL AGBANA MEMORIAL LECTURE

Members of the Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba Commmunity have honoured the memory of the Late Dr. Busayo Emmanuel Agbana at a Memorial Lecture held at the University’s College of Health Sciences on Thursday, January 24, 2024. The lecture which is the first of what will be an annual Dr. Busayo Emmanuel Agbana Memorial Lecture was themed Epidemiology and Burden of Cancer in Nigeria delivered by Dr. Zubair Kebiru.

The Memorial Lecture had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Olushola Jamiu Saliu, and the Registrar, Barrister Yahaya S. Alilu. Many Professors, Deans and Directors, and members of the Academic Staff of the University as well as other guests were in attendance.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche remarked that the large turnout of attendees from across the University community demonstrates the worth of Dr. Agbana whom she said was a dedicated Academic Staff of the University, a committed staff of the university and a very caring physician that was lost to the cold hands of death. The Vice-Chancellor applauded the initiative by his family, friends, and colleagues to honour his memory in this special way and encouraged that it should be sustained.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that following her appointment of the Late Dr. Agbana as the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, he fitted perfectly into the role, demonstrating an uncommon commitment even to the University’s health centre.

While recognizing Dr. Mrs Olubunmi Agbana and extolling her for her courage, the VC expressed her observation about Dr. Agbana as a committed father to his children and a loving husband to his wife. The VC cited Dr. Agbana’s commitment and support to the educational journey, economic empowerment, growth and development of his wife as an exemplary gesture in a world where the education of women remains negatively disparate to that of the men. The VC described such commitment and support for the education of women as a panacea for a better future for children, families, and nations.

Commenting on the day’s Lecture, the VC emphasized the need to prioritize issues of personal health. She acknowledged the financial challenges that may hamper proper health care and especially the treatment of cancer and appealed to government at all levels to support patients that have to treat cancer. 

The VC appreciated the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for his tremendous support at the time Dr. Agbana was ill. Recounting Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s support to the pioneer Medical students of the Prince Abubakar Audu University which has seen them to the completion of their studies, the VC thanked him for his great support to the University at large.

With the successes recorded so far by the Professor Marietu Tenuche-led administration following the establishment and commencement of allied Programmes of the MBBS such as Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Science Laboratory, Pharm State and visitor to the University, the VC hinted at plans for the recommencement of the MBBS programme at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba.

Highlights of the Memorial Lecture were several presentations and discussions on the theme: Epidemiology and Burden of Cancer in Nigeria.