The Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has emphasized the importance of professors in teaching and research and urged them to do more.

The Vice-Chancellor gave the charge on Thursday during the University’s 47th Inaugural Lecture delivered by a Professor of Paediatrics, Prof. Ikenna Ndu at the ESUT College of Medicine, Enugu.

He stated that “somebody might just be promoted to a professorship, and it could be by the number of articles and number of years you have spent, that does not mean you were creating any value. If you are a professor who is always creating value, students will always quote you, and students will always remember you.

“People who made me and put me where I am today are my former students. I thought there’s no student who has passed through me that would forget me eaaily, because you don’t only profess by teaching only the content of a book. You profess by teaching content of a book and giving them words of advice on how to survive in the world. Be their mentor.

“So, a lecturer or a professor should be somebody who is a guide, who directs you towards the correct purpose, and who can connect you to somewhere, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels said.

“He cited his experience in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as a professor. “I took two students of UNN to Harvard, USA, and one of them is now a professor. He will never forget what I did for him, when I was supervising him.”

“It’s not about the classroom; it’s about practical things, to narrow the gap between the town and the gown. That is a professor; a professor leads the way and a professor mentors.”

He further stated that Prof Ikenna Ndụ is one of the professors who professed with relevance.

“As usual, Professor Ndu is one of the renowned professors we have. A global professor is a professor who has made his mark at the global stage. And he is such a humble young man, committed and passionate about the job he is doing.

“We are happy that, at least today, he has presented that paper and demonstrated that he is actually well-versed in Paediatrics. He is one of the best names you mention in Nigeria in Paediatric.”

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Enugu – A University don and renowned Paediatrician at the Enugu State University College of Medicine (ESUCOM), Professor Ikenna Ndu has revealed that many newborns fail to survive their first month due to preventable causes such as prematurity, birth asphyxia, and infections.

He also noted that children under the age of five continue to die from avoidable illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition, sepsis and other conditions that can be effectively managed with timely intervention.

Professor Ndu made these revelations while delivering the 47th Inaugural Lecture of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), titled “From Cradle to Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival in Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape.” The lecture was held at a packed auditorium of the ESUT College of Medicine, Park Lane, Enugu, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

He emphasized that the causes of neonatal and childhood mortality are not only preventable but also predictable and manageable if addressed promptly and effectively.

Professor Ndu further attributed the worsening child survival rates to delays in seeking medical care, poor policy implementation, inefficiencies within the health system, and financial barriers.

He highlighted that rural and underserved populations bear the brunt of these challenges, with limited access to skilled birth attendants, neonatal intensive care units, paediatric emergency services, and life-saving interventions.

“The persistence of common causes of childhood mortality remains an urgent concern—neonatal deaths from asphyxia, sepsis, and prematurity; under-five deaths from pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea; and emergency room fatalities from preventable conditions all call for sustained efforts in maternal and child healthcare,” he said.

Despite the constraints in resources, he observed that advancements in neonatal and paediatric emergency care in Nigeria show that significant improvements are possible through strategic innovation, local adaptation, and strong commitment.

He also pointed out the stark disparities between Nigeria and developed nations in paediatric emergency care, survival outcomes, and healthcare infrastructure. This, he said, underscores the urgent need for equity-focused policies and the implementation of scalable, cost-effective interventions.

“Emerging technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics, predictive modeling, and personalized treatment are poised to transform child healthcare, much like gene therapy is redefining treatments for genetic disorders. Equipping paediatricians with these modern tools will be crucial,” he stated.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, encouraged the university’s professors to cultivate strong mentorship capacities, noting that such efforts will create enduring value in the academic system.

He reiterated the need to discourage merchandising of core academic activities including Inaugural Lectures in the University in order to save the image, sanctity and respect of the Ivory Tower, emphasizing that “money is not everything.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the ESUT Inaugural Lectures Committee, Professor Mellitus Ezeamaenyi, congratulated Professor Ndu and remarked that frequent academic events like inaugural lectures have significantly boosted the university’s visibility and improved its webometric rankings.

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Enugu – The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, is set to record a mileage in the healthcare sector as a team of Professors are designing NUA TAPE that would detect birth weight of a child early enough

A Paediatrics Professor, Dr Ikenna Ndụ disclosed this on Thursday while delivering the 47th Inaugural Lecture of the University.

Professor noted that the University is collaborating with Alpha Angle Group, an American consultancy specializing in AI driven Healthcare innovation to actualise the project.

According to him, their study shows that the chest circumference (CC) of a new born baby had a relationship with birth weights, thereby replacing the traditional weighing scales where not available or reliable.

Professor Ndu explained that the chest circumference measurement, has a strong correlation with birth weights, offering a simple non- invasive method to detect low weight at risk infants.

The NUA tape was a term coined by the Names of the inventors, Prof. Ndu, Prof. Uchenna, and Prof. Asinobi all from the Pediatrics Department of the College with the tape’s Patent No: NG/P/2018/135.

Collaborating with Alpha Angle Group, an American consultancy specializing in AI driven Healthcare innovation, Prof Ndụ noted that through the partnership they are currently designing a machine language tool based on the NUA tape’s validated data and cut off points.

He further explained that the AI powered tool aims to streamline neonatal assessment, predict potential complications and provide decisions and provide decision support for healthcare workers in rural communities where trained professionals are scarce.

Highlights of the Inaugural Lecture which drew participatnts from far and within were presentation of award by the ESUT Inaugural Lecture Committee as well as 50 copies of the Inaugural Lecture book to the lecturer.

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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
.
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?

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“Every child is a promise, and paediatrics is the art of keeping that promise alive.” — Prof. Ikenna Kingsley Ndu

By Amaechi Agbo

Born on the year Nigeria-Biafra Civil War ceased, the life of Professor Ikenna Kingsley Ndu has been remarkable particularly in shaping life, new-borns and humanity.

On 29^th May, 2025, this erudite scholar will mount the ESUT College of Medicine Auditorium to deliver the university’s 47^th Inaugural Lecture. A role model, humble and unpretentious, Prof Ndu will be dissecting the topic: “From Cradle To Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival In Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape”

Professor Ndu has devoted his career to paediatrics, rising through the academic and clinical ranks. He is currently serves as Professor of Paediatrics at the Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) and Consultant Paediatrician at ESUT Teaching Hospital, a position he has held since 2013.

His clinical experience spans several institutions, including the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where he trained as a resident doctor from 2005 to 2012. He also held various medical officer positions in Abuja between 1996 and 2001, including stints at the State House Clinic, Abuja (NYSC), INEC Headquarters, the Raw Materials Research and Development Centre, and the National Hospital.

A seasoned academic and researcher, Professor Ndu has contributed significantly to the field of paediatrics through scholarly publications, mentorship, and conference presentations. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and authored or co-authored several books. His research impact is reflected in his Google Scholar metrics: 1,741 citations, an h-index of 23, and an i10-index of 37. He has supervised three fellowship dissertations and served as an external examiner at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

 In 2022, he delivered the Guest Lecture at the 11th ESUCOM Induction Ceremony and currently serves as Editor and Adviser to the Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Practice.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Ndu has been actively involved in university administration. He is currently the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and previously served as Acting Head of the Department of Paediatrics (2020–2022). In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Health Research Ethics Committee at ESUT Teaching Hospital.

Professor Ndu’s expertise has also informed national health policy and training. He has served as a National Trainer for various Federal Ministry of Health programmes, including Paediatric HIV/AIDS training, the Essential Newborn Care Course, and the Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis in Children in Nigeria.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN)—where he served as Secretary of the Sub-Committee on Emergency Paediatrics from 2018 to 2023—the Society of Emergency Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.

Professor Ndu’s distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to paediatric health, academic excellence, ethical leadership, and national service.

The 47^th Inaugural Lecturer will bring to the fore, his year’s of service, teaching, mentoring, moulding on Thursday, May 29^th when he is going to share his rich experience with the university community and the larger society during the lecture.

It is important to note that while Professor Ikenna Kingsley Ndu is the 47^th Lecturer in ESUT, he will be the 5^th Inaugural Lecturer in the College.

The Lecture will hold at the ESUT College of Medicine, ESUCOM Auditorium, Parklane, Enugu staring by 11am.

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