Microbiologists offer to assist government prevent mysterious deaths

Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has offered to assist government to reduce the increasing rate of questionable deaths among Nigerians often caused by preventable diseases.

Speaking at the society’s South West Zonal third annual symposium themed ‘Harnessing Microbiology Potentials for Sustainable Development’, the Vice Chancellor, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Professor Julius Oloke, who was the lead guest lecturer, stressed the importance of microbiology to human existence.

During the three-day roundtable held at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Oloke, in his paper entitled ‘Biofilms and Microbial Ecology’, advocated the consumption of mushroom and carrots to help build the immune system.

According to don, while the disposition of industrial wastes into streams could be dangerous to human health, the inoculation of microbial organisms in plants could lead to bumper harvest of farm produce.

“Immune-modulating products are needed in the treatment and management of diseases caused by biofilm. More aggressive root-colonising organisms can be introduced into the tissue of plants for enhanced food production. Organisms with excellent biofilm formation should be introduced into the science of microbial fuel cell,” the VC said.

NSM national president, Professor Mohammed Yerima, said the country’s problems in the area of agriculture, medicine and environment, among others, could be solved through microbiology.

He implored the government and other stakeholders to look inward with a view to harnessing potentials that could be geared towards fast-tracking growth and reducing factors capable of compounding the identified problems.

In his welcome address at the event graced by scholars across the country, the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Prof. Samuel Alao, lamented the neglect of microbiologists by the country’s authorities.

Alao called for the inclusion of microbiologists in government, stressing that “mysterious deaths can be stopped through the efforts of microbiologists.”