By Our Editors

Ahead the 47th Inaugural Lecture of the. Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT on Thursday, May 29, 2024, the Inaugural Lecturer, Dr Ikenna Ndụ, a Professor of Paediatrics in the ESUT College of Medicine, in this exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor Newspaper explained what the lecture means to his academic career, the take home and why he is conducting his Inaugural Lecture shortly after Provost of the College, Prof Uchenna Ekwochi delivered his on Thursday May 8.

Speaking further on the challenges ahead of the 47th Inaugural Lecture which will hold at the ESUCOM Auditorium starting from 11am, Prof Ndụ noted that space is a major constraint for him in hosting the lecture.

Prof Ndu spoke with our team of Editors – Joy Joseph, Editor-in-Chief; Chiekezie Emmanuel, News Editor; Ruth Ani, Deputy News Editor and Onyekachi Agu, Political Editor

Excerpts

How ready are you to deliver this lecture?

Thank you, ESUT Monitor, for the opportunity to share my thoughts in this interview.

This lecture marks the culmination of my academic journey, which began when I entered medical school in 1988—about 37 years ago. In many ways, it feels like the moment I’ve been preparing for all along. But it’s more than just a lecture; it’s a reflection of years of learning, service, and growth.

It also aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s inspiring vision—one that calls on us not just to hold the title of professor, but to truly profess through impact, relevance, and service. So yes, I am fully ready—perhaps a little emotional—but deeply honoured to deliver the 47th inaugural lecture of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

What informed your choice of topic?

This lecture topic is the result of a long and thoughtful search. I kept asking myself: how can I bring together my experiences in neonatology and paediatric emergency care in a way that tells a meaningful story? That reflection eventually led me to the title: From Cradle to Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival in Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape.

The “cradle” represents the newborn—where life begins—and “crisis” symbolizes the emergencies that threaten that life. Together, the title captures the journey of vulnerable children through a fragile health system, and the work we must do to improve their chances of survival.

What would be the take home at the end of the lecture?

There are five key take-home messages. In the first place, the leading causes of childhood deaths are still with us, and they demand urgent and sustained action—not just talk.

Secondly, Progress is possible. Our innovations and unwavering commitment have already shown that meaningful change can happen, even in difficult settings. Thirdly, we must bridge the gap in care by pushing for reforms that are both equitable and scalable—so that no child is left behind.

Fourthly, the future of paediatrics lies in research and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and gene therapy. We must begin to prepare and position ourselves to harness their potential, and last but not the least, policy must ensure these advances must be delivered ethically, affordably, and fairly, especially to the most vulnerable.

What are the challenges you are facing?

One major challenge is the size of the college auditorium—it’s simply too small for an event of this nature. Given the significance of an inaugural lecture and the interest it generates, we’re concerned about accommodating everyone comfortably. We’re exploring creative solutions, but space remains a real constraint
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Tell us about your connection with the Provost and why you are presenting shortly after his?

The Provost and I enjoy a productive collaboration. I like to call it a healthy sibling rivalry. We push each other to excel, exchange ideas freely, and always cheer each other on—but always with the same goal: giving children the best care possible. I often say that if you leave the two of us in a room too long, we’ll either start planning a paediatric community outreach program or start a research project!

As for presenting so soon after his lecture—just three weeks apart—that was intentional. May is the month dedicated to children in Nigeria, and we thought, why not make it back-to-back inaugural lectures? Two inaugural lectures focused on child health in one month—what better way to make some noise for our little ones?