In this interview during the opening ceremony of IYBSSD, a Nigerian university scholar explains why the younger generation of Africans should study basic sciences’ courses.
What is your research all about?
I was really, really, really want to see a situation where the younger ones are encouraged in basic sciences.
My research has to do with cancer therapeutics and drug development. We know the devastating effects of cancer. We know it is the number one, that after cardiovascular disease. And although there are fewer mortality in developed countries, more and more people are dying in developing countries, mainly as a result of poor accessibility to drugs, they cannot afford the drugs and then testing abilities and so on and so forth. So there’s a need to do a lot more work.
What links can you make between your research and sustainable development ?
It’s links because in terms of health and general well-being. You have a lot of drugs, a lot of anti-cancer drugs are from plants and from natural sources, so if this is available, unless we know that there’s a problem, the drugs are expensive, and they have side effects. So there’s a need for more research for for for drugs that are more affordable. They are more effective with less side effects. And this will in turn contribute to SDGs that in turn increase the general well-being of the population.
What is your biggest wish for this international year ?
It’s to see a way to encourage the young generation in basic sciences. I want to let you know that especially in Africa, because of the problem with unemployment and so on, you see a lot of parents encouraging children to go for professional courses and so on, and not basic sciences, you know. And really the basic sciences is very, very important. So I really want to see a situation where the younger ones are encouraged in basic sciences and I’m really excited!
Interview by Laurent Orluc
