UNILORIN marks 7th Annual Research Day
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin, has marked the 7th Annual Research Day to further consolidate the institutions’ reputation as A centre of excellence in surgical research, innovation, and education.
The event, themed “Scalpel to Systems: Innovations in Global Surgical Care”, was jointly hosted with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) at the Conference Room, Senior Consultant Building, UITH. It attracted distinguished academics, clinicians, researchers, students, alumni, sponsors, and international partners.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. K.W. Wahab, commended the Department of Surgery for sustaining the annual Research Day initiative, describing it as a strategic platform for nurturing young researchers, strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration, and aligning surgical training and practice with global best standards.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Aneel Bhangu, a Professor of Global Surgery and Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, challenged participants to rethink surgical care beyond individual technical excellence.
He stressed the importance of systems-level thinking, data-driven research, and global collaboration in improving surgical outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Prof. Bhangu highlighted his extensive experience in building global research networks, mentoring young surgeons, and translating research evidence into policy and practice.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Surgery, Prof. Olayide Sulaiman Agodirin, described the Research Day as one of the Department’s most anticipated academic traditions since its inauguration in 2019, under the leadership of Prof. Lukman Abdur-Rahman.
He noted that the Department has continued to record steady progress, particularly in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the adoption of advanced research methodologies.
Prof. Agodirin explained that technological innovation within the Department began in 2022–2023 with the introduction of electronic script submission and an electronic operations register.
Since assuming office in January 2025, he said further strides have been made in digitising the departmental processes in line with the University-wide digital vision of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN).
He disclosed that the Department has successfully piloted a chatbox and developed a machine-learning model for surgical examinations, with plans to deploy AI-powered workforce tools in the coming months.
The Head of Department expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the hospital management, the Provost, Prof. B.S. Alabi, the Dean of Clinical Sciences, Prof. K.W. Wahab, former CMDs, former Heads of Department, sponsors, partners from Italy, and alumni in Nigeria and the Diaspora for their sustained support.
He also commended the Planning Committee led by Prof. Abdulrasheed A. Nasir, noting the deliberate inclusion of younger members to ensure sustainability of the Research Day as a flagship academic event.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of UITH, Prof. Dasilva Yusuf, who was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Sikirullah Biliaminu, emphasised the importance of research in improving clinical outcomes, strengthening healthcare delivery, and positioning UITH as a leading teaching hospital within and beyond Nigeria.
The former Director of Academic Planning (DAP) and former
Chief Medical Director, UITH, Prof. S. A. Kuranga, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Department to academic, institutional development, and the entrenchment of research culture within the University and the Teaching Hospital.
Highlights of the Research Day included four Students’ Innovative Research presentations, ten Interesting Case Reports, five presentations on Global Surgery and Surgical Education, five presentations on Trauma and Gastro-Intestinal surgery, and five presentations on Surgical Oncology and Surgical Outcomes. There were also Products Presentations, Goodwill Messages, and a Special Presentation titled “Rare Practices in High-Income Countries,” delivered by Prof. A. Iroatulam.
Awards for excellence were presented to high-ranking research papers in recognition of rigour, innovation, and impact.
