Governments at all levels have been urged to urgently formulate and implement targeted public health policies focused on nutrition, dieting, and healthy lifestyle choices to curb the rising surge of preventable non-communicable diseases across the nation.

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, ​Associate Professor Nkemjika Umerah made the call during the 4th Annual Public Lecture of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine (ESUCOM), held at the International Conference Centre Enugu on Wednesday

​The guest lecturer highlighted the critical gap between individual health awareness and systemic government action. The Don emphasized that while individuals must take personal responsibility for what they consume, sustainable health outcomes require clear regulatory frameworks, subsidized healthy foods, and mandatory nutrition education integrated into national programs.

​”Preventive healthcare remains the most cost-effective strategy for any nation,” the lecturer stated. “Without strong policy frameworks governing dietary standards, food labeling, and public wellness initiatives, our healthcare infrastructure will continue to be overwhelmed by manageable conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular failure.”

​Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Aloysius-Michaels OKolie commended the College of Medicine for maintaining the tradition of hosting impactful public lectures that bridge academic research with societal needs. The VC reiterated the institution’s commitment to advancing medical research, community outreach, and championing policies that improve public health outcomes.

In his opening remarks, the Provost of the College, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, underscored the strategic role of the institution’s Annual Public Lecture series, describing it as a key driver of the college’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community outreach agenda.

​Prof. Ekwochi stated that medical institutions must extend their responsibilities beyond clinical training and academic research to address real-world public health challenges affecting immediate communities.

​According to the Provost, “the annual lecture series serves as a critical bridge between complex academic research and everyday health practices for the public._ He noted that by bringing expert knowledge on preventive healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle choices directly to society, ESUCOM is fulfilling its obligation to reduce disease burdens and promote longevity.

​”As a premier medical institution, our duty is not limited to graduating world-class physicians and carrying out laboratory investigations,” Prof. Ekwochi remarked. “Through our CSR initiatives—anchored by this annual public lecture—we take preventive medical advocacy to the public square, empowering individuals and policymakers with actionable knowledge on healthy living.”

​Prof. Ekwochi further emphasized that themed discussions focusing on pressing health issues—such as dietary policies, preventive healthcare, and the dangers of substance and soft drink abuse—reflect ESUCOM’s proactive approach to public health intervention.

​He reaffirmed the college leadership’s dedication to sustaining the annual lecture platform, assuring stakeholders that ESUCOM will continue to champion initiatives that positively impact community wellness and support government policy formulation in the health sector.

The 4th ESUCOM Annual Public Lecture which focused on the theme: “From Plate to Patient: How Diet Affects Your Health”
brought together medical professionals, academics, policymakers, and students to discuss strategic pathways toward improving community health standards and national wellness.

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Associate Professor Nkemjika Umerah will deliver the 4th Annual Public Lecture for the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine (ESUCOM) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu.

Titled “From Plate to Patient: How Diet Affects your Health,” the lecture will explore the connection between daily nutrition, preventative care, and medical management. ESUT Vice Chancellor Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie will serve as Chief Host, with College of Medicine Provost Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi hosting the event.

Dr. Umerah is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics,  ESUT. Her main research interest include bio-behavioral aspect of dietary management of Nutritional diseases.

She is a Nutrition Scientist by profession and she has over 10 years of various experience in research, teaching, food service, Nutritional Biochemistry, Community and Public Health Nutrition.

She completed her first degree from Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in 2004. She graduated with Masters and Ph.D in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2008 and 2015, respectively.

Dr. Nkem was previously the Head of Department, Food Science and Technology from 2020-2022. She is currently the pioneer Associate Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, ESUT.

She is also the current Head of Department Human Nutrition and Dietetics.  She is the member representing Federation of African Nutrition Society (FANUS) in Early Career Nutrition (ECN) of the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) from 2020 till date.

She is married with three kids. In her free time, she likes reading and travelling.

The ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) established the flagship public lecture series to bridge the gap between academic medicine (“gown”) and public awareness (“town”). Each annual iteration brings forward top-tier internal or external medical experts to unpack pressing contemporary public health crises.

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