COOU Ag. VC, Omenugha Blazes The Trail As Varsity Holds 15th Inaugural Lecture Series
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, has continued to blazed the trail as the citadel of learning on Thursday, 15th August 2024 held its 15th Inaugural Lecture Serie, at the Varsity’s ETF Auditorium, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
The 15th Inaugural lecturer, a Consultant pathologist with COOU, Prof. Chukwudi Onyeaghana Okani, while addressing his audience stated that post-mortem examinations remained the key to addressing “Slump and Die” incidents in Nigeria.
He called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently employ more pathologists in health facilities across the country. This, he believes, will help curb this disturbing trend.
Prof. Okani emphasized that post-mortem examinations are crucial and remain one of the most effective tools for determining the actual cause of death. According to him, only a pathologist is trained to provide an accurate diagnosis that can inform efforts to protect the living from similar fates.
Delivering the Lecture, the University Don explored the theme “Harmony In Healing: Bridging Life’s Journey For The Living And Extracting Wisdom From The Departed.” He stressed that pathology provides critical insights that not only inform accurate diagnoses but also contribute to the development of targeted therapies.
‘We are often referred to as the ‘Supreme Court’ of medicine because our work provides the foundation for both diagnosis and treatment. By performing autopsies, we allow the deceased to continue teaching the living. The knowledge we extract from the deceased informs improvements in healthcare for the living.’
Prof. Okani further explained the importance of post-mortem examinations in cases where the cause of death is unknown, unnatural, or occurs under suspicious circumstances.
He highlighted the dangers of burying individuals who succumb to “slump and die” incidents without a proper examination, as this often leads to counteraccusations and speculation among family members about spiritual or ritual causes of death.
‘Post-mortem examinations are vital in dispelling myths and ensuring clarity for the living. It is the only solution to the alarming rise of these sudden deaths, which have claimed the lives of many, both young and old. I urge anyone seeking treatment to ensure that a qualified pathologist is available at the hospital. If not, they should reconsider their options.’
In conclusion, Prof. Okani called on both Federal and State Governments to prioritized the employment of pathologists across the nation’s health facilities to combat this growing health challenge.
Prof. Okani’s presentation, which marked his decoration as the University’s 15th Inaugural Lecturer, garnered significant attention and added prestige to the event.
