Microbiology Dept. explores links among infectious diseases
By Muizdeen Adewole
The Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, hosted its inaugural students’ convention penultimate Wednesday (June 10, 2026), themed “From Environment to Clinic: Interwoven Pathways of Infectious Diseases”.
In his welcome address at the event, held at NSLT1 Lecture Theatre, the Head of the Department, Prof. I. O. Sule, described the theme as timely and urged students to seize the opportunity to learn from experts across disciplines.
Prof. Sule also commended the organisers for creating a platform that promotes intellectual engagement, scientific discourse, and professional development.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ronke Hadiyah examined the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework.
Drawing from her research, she explained how environmental factors shape health outcomes and stressed that scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities must collaborate to address public health challenges. She charged students to position themselves as active contributors to solutions that promote healthier societies.
Also speaking, the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ahmed Olayiwola, outlined the critical role of Veterinary Medicine in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, noting that a substantial proportion of human infections originate from animals.
Dr Olayiwola examined the use of antimicrobial agents in disease prevention and treatment, while warning of the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance, (AMR).
He also presented findings from a collaborative research endeavour with Dr Sa’ad B. A. and undergraduate students of the Department, which underscores the public health risk posed by resistant foodborne pathogens and reinforce the need for continuous surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use, and sustained research to curb AMR spread.
Other senior academics who presented papers at the event included Dr Hadiya Ronke Bello, Dr Mutiat Odebisi-Omokanye, and Mrs Halima Bola Shittu.
The convention provided a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development, equipping students with deeper understanding of emerging health challenges and the collaborative approaches required to address them. Participants, who spoke to UNILORIN Bulletin, said that they left the event inspired and better prepared to contribute to public health, research, and scientific innovation.
