By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin Chapter of Mission:BRAIN has again made history by emerging as the highest award-winning chapter of the global foundation for 2024.
At the Mission:BRAIN Conference 2025 held on July 26, 2025 at the University Auditorium, the student-led multidisciplinary brain health event drew over 2,000 physical participants and more than 200 virtual attendees from around the world.
The event, which witnessed the participation of experts in Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, Public Health, and Brain Health advocacy, saw the UNILORIN Chapter clinching three of the foundation’s most prestigious awards. These are Service and Compassion, Healing Hands, and Academic Leadership—in recognition of its outstanding outreach, research, and academic programmes.
The Chapter beat about 100 others worldwide to secure the top spot. The Conference, which was preceded by the CranioGuard Mission on July 12, 2025, aimed at preventing traumatic brain injuries and a life support.
In his address, the Chapter President and founder, Mubarak Jolayemi Mustapha, a 400-level medical student, who described the mission as rooted in the belief that “brain health is a right, not a privilege,” urged collective responsibility for its protection.
The Keynote Speaker, who is the President of the Nigerian Academy of Neurological Surgeons, Prof. Femi Bankole, in his address titled “Bridging Minds: Advancing Brain Health Through Science, Ethics, and Innovation”, challenged the students to embrace emerging trends and overcome future challenges.
Distinguished panelists included Prof. Kolawole Wahab, Prof. M.A.N. Adeboye, Dr Adeleke, Prof. Tunde Ayinmode, Prof. Muhammad Uthman and Dr Baje.
The event also featured a Neurovation challenge for brain health innovations, scientific abstract presentations from local and international contributors, and a secondary school essay competition.
Earlier at a courtesy visit, the Deputy Registrar, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim, commended the students for their exceptional performance and lauded the organisers for positioning UNILORIN as a hub for brain health advocacy and innovation.
The chapter and the University expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters, expressing hope that the landmark event will inspire more impactful collaborations to advance brain health in Nigeria and beyond.
