Bingham University recently hosted a 3 days 21st Annual Conference of Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN) with a call to finding solutions to some of the neurogenic crises and diseases confronting Nigerians.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba while declaring the 21st annual conference of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria open,expressed his appreciation to the society for choosing the University as the platform to host its conference for academic discourse to advance the course of neuroscience in the country.

Prof. Ayuba said that the theme of the conference, ‘Landscape of Neurogenetic diseases’ was pertinent to the negative impact of neurogenetic diseases on health services and economies of several countries across the world.

He stated that Neurogenetic diseases are caused by defects in one or more genes which affect the nervous system.  These diseases affect both young and elderly and are typically chronic and debilitating and in some cases, they are degenerating and life threatening. He emphasized that the Neuroscience Society can work towards identifying the genetic factors that are responsible for these diseases, and profile the mono-genetic and complex neurogenetic diseases that are peculiar to our environment thereby working towards finding a cure for such diseases so that many lives would be saved. He expressed optimism that the conference would be a platform for bigger conversations that will bring about solutions to neurogenetic crises in Nigeria.

The President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, Prof.  Bamidele Victor Owoyele in his remarks stated that the conference will provide continuing education, networking and career opportunities.  He added that the theme of the year is focused to look at the specialized areas of Neuroscience that requires genetic modifications and adequate studies coupled with specialized management of the disorders.

Prof. Victor said that the speakers who are seasoned experts in the field would have discussions that are constructive and diagnostic which would make the NSN a stronger force in advocacy and understanding of Neuroscience.

Owoyele said that the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria is a multi-disciplinary society that is focused on the study and research of the nervous system adding that its members study the various system in health and diseases and are also involved in the management of neurological ailments.

Guest speaker and science researcher who is also, a fellow of Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ademola A. Oremosu who spoke on the theme “Movement Disorders, Current Trends and Treatment approaches” disclosed that body movement disorders are of two main categories, the hyperkinetic and hypokinetic, with hyperkinetic having 3 common distinctive movement disorders to include essential tremors, parkinson’s desease and dystonia.

Prof. Oremosu provided a statistical data which indicated that the trend of prevailing Parkinson disease in the world has 0.3% of the disease, 1% in the people living over 60 years of age. He shared that sub-sahara Africa has 10-235/100,000, with Nigeria having 50-90 per 100,000, Tanzania 20-40 per 100,000 and Ethiopia 7 per 100,000 respectively.

He further recommended that continuous research, capacity building through training and multidisciplinary team approaches could go a long way towards finding solutions to the diseases as well as finding solutions to the treatment of the diseases.

The Head of the Local Organizing Committee, Associate Prof. Angela Danborno disclosed that the 21st NSN conference has had the highest registration in recent years stating that it shows the growing interest and engagement in the field of neuroscience.

She pointed out that the society had 93 faculty members, 118 postgraduate and 36 undergraduate students registered for the conference.  This diverse representation reflects the vibrant and inclusive nature of the community, spanning across all levels of academic and professional development.

Presentations of certificates, cash awards and brain models to the 3 winners of the brain bee competition organized by the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria for secondary schools were made at the event. First position went to Ugochukwu Patrick of Faith Academy, Goshen Nasarawa State, Esther Oluwayinka from Mawo schools and educational services Minna while Amdo Gift Duna of Matrix international Academy Gombe was presented prize for third place in the competition.