By Usman Shuaibu
A lecturer with the College of Health Sciences at the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mustapha Gemda, has called on the new Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Michael Adikwu, to as a matter of urgency to create a grant management office, to enable lecturers to carry out researches on pressing issues of public concerns.
He said, though there have been discussions with the management of the university on how to establish a grant management office for staff of the institution, but the lecturers will appreciate if the Vice-Chancellor facilitates the move.
He made this point, while answering questions from newsmen, during a one-day lecture organized by the college at the permanent site of the university, to sensitise its staff on the precautionary measures against the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
He said that the university was looking forward to conducting the researches on how to find solution to Ebola virus.
Earlier, while a delivering a lecture titled, “Ebola Virus: Challenges of Control in Nigeria”, Gemda, noted that poor government, non-preparedness and inadequate communication as the challenges in the country.
He also said that preparedness, vigilance and community awareness would be crucial in the fight against Ebola, adding that relevant information to the public would help in reducing the risk of exposure to the disease.
Speaking at the occasion, the vice president I of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Titus Ibekwe, advised that peoples should see survivors of the virus hitherto placed under surveillance as heroes and not to be stigmatized.
“People would cause more harm than good if the issue of stigmatization is not taken seriously”, Ibekwe said.
On his part, the provost in charge of College of Health Sciences at the University, prof. Samuel Asala, who was represented by the Dean of Clinical Sciences, prof. Kareem Airede, noted that good healthy hygiene as well as control mechanisms will help to prevent outbreak of the disease.
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