The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali, has unveiled the Forum of Nigerian Toxicologists (FONTOX), UNILORIN Branch.
The unveiling ceremony, held on December 12, 2024 during a meeting of Toxicologists in the University of Ilorin, took place at the Auditorium Basement.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ambali, who is also a Veterinary Toxicologist, stated that FONTOX aims at sustaining toxicological sciences while enhancing the promotion of the younger generation.
He also disclosed that the essence of FONTOX is to reduce quackery in Toxicology, organise seminars to intimate researchers on the latest findings in toxicological research, solidify FONTOX in the University, and ultimately start up an Institute of Toxicology in the University.
Prof. Ambali added that there are several toxicological societies like the African Toxicologists (AFTOX), the West African Society of Toxicologists (WASOT), and the Nigerian Society of Toxicology (NST), but with the formation of FONTOX, the younger scientists will be groomed and helped into the art of grantsmanship, research collaborations, networking, and training of students amongst other things.
In addition, the Deputy Vice Chancellor inaugurated a 7-man Steering Committee to drive the vision of FONTOX in the University. The Steering Committee is chaired by Prof. Musa Toyin Yakubu, a Biochemical Toxicologist in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin.
Other members of the Steering Committee include Prof. Rasheedat O. Ayanniyi, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology; Prof. O. D. Owolabi, Department of Zoology; Prof. Modinat A. O. Abdulraheem, Department of Chemistry; Dr. A. Aremu, Department of Veterinary Toxicology; Dr. Agede, Department of Pharmacology &Therapeutics; and Dr Oreoluwa M. Daniel, Central Research Laboratories, who will serve as Secretary.
The Steering Committee is expected to coordinate all the activities of FONTOX, Unilorin Branch. These include: to embark on a vigorous membership drive among Toxicologists in Unilorin and other sister institutions in the State; give FONTOX adequate publicity, organise Seminars and Trainings/Workshops, strengthen research collaborations within the membership and those outside the state and the country, and come up with Code of Conduct for FONTOX, Unilorin Branch.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Prof. Yakubu, agreed with the Convener on the need to put Toxicology in the right perspective in the country and that the establishment of the Institute of Toxicology in the University of Ilorin will go a long way in achieving this.
Prof. Yakubu also solicited the support of Toxicologists within and outside Unilorin towards achieving this important goal and assured members that the Committee will do its best to justify the confidence reposed in them.
