Abdulraheem, UNILORIN don, canvasses healthy ageing
By Abubakar Imam
A former Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibraheem Shola Abdulraheem, has called for healthy behaviours among younger people to ensure that they enjoy healthy ageing as he said that the quality of health one would enjoy at old age would be greatly determined by the choices made while growing up.
Prof. Abdulraheem made this appeal last Thursday (December 11, 2025) while delivering the 294th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled “Multifaceted Complexity of Ageing: The Need for Strengthening Geriatric Care”. The Lecturer was held at the Multipurpose Hall.
The distinguished medical scholar, who is also a member of the third set of medical graduates of the University, explained that healthy behaviours in earlier ages are important to old age.
Defining ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”, Prof. Abdulraheem said that diet and engagement in physical activity, smoking and alcohol by individuals would determine the kind of old age they would enjoy.
Prof. Abdulraheem also said that the quality of sleep, weight and blood pressure management are also parts of the variables that influence ageing, saying that early detection and management of inelegant health conditions through regular checkups would be of great assistance.
He, therefore, suggested a deliberate and consistent creation of public awareness for geriatric care and promotion of healthy ageing
He also noted that the adoption of multidisciplinary approach by medical practitioners is crucial in geriatric care and healthy ageing because older adults’ needs are multifaceted and require the expertise of various healthcare professionals.
The don also called for the establishment of geriatric training centres by the government, saying that such would play a crucial role in promoting healthy ageing and educating healthcare professionals on the unique needs of older adults.
Prof. Abdulraheem also called for the incorporation of geriatric curriculum in medical and healthcare training. He said that specialised knowledge in geriatrics must be increased via educational strategies to encourage careers in gerontology. He added that such targeted curricula would improve understanding of the field, develop skills, and assuage common concerns of medical and nursing students.
The Inaugural Lecturer also called for greater integration of health-care sectors to ensure greater quality of patient care.
He similarly called for preventive care strategies as this plays a crucial role in geriatric care and promoting healthy ageing by proactively addressing potential health issues and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Prof. Abdulraheem, who is a Consultant to the World Health Organisation(WHO), also encouraged the government to develop and implement effective social policies and programmes that would address the complex needs of the elderly, including economic, security, access to healthcare, and social support services.
Prof. Abdulraheem also urged the elderly to always accept vaccination in order to combat some of the medical challenges associated with old age.
Speaking on other issues, Prof. Abdulraheem appealed to senior academics and professionals to provide proper guidance for the younger ones.
He also encouraged medical professionals, particularly younger ones, not to emigrate to other countries, saying that all hands must be on deck to assist the nation in meeting its health needs.
The Inaugural Lecture, which was presided-over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muktahir Adeiza Etudaiye, was attended by other Principal Officers of the University. Also in attendance were the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos and several other dignitaries from far and near.
