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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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine (ESUCOM) has announced its 4th Annual Public Lecture, focusing on the critical link between lifestyle choices and medical outcomes.

The event, themed “From Plate to Patient: How Diet Affects your Health,” is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu by 11am

The lecture aims to address how daily nutritional habits impact long-term patient care and preventive medicine. Organisers have extended an open invitation to university staff, medical practitioners, students, and members of the general public to join the conversation.

The flagship event will feature top academics and leadership from the university featuring Assoc. Prof. Nkemjika Umerah, an expert and Associate Professor of Human Nutrition at ESUT as Guest Lecturer.

Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT is the Chief Host while Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, the Provost of the ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) is the host

The planning and execution of the public lecture are being overseen by a Local Organising Committee, led by Dr. Chima Edoga as Chairman and Dr. Ngozi Onu serving as Secretary.

Corporate bodies, health institutions, and individuals interested in sponsorships or support can reach the organisers directly via the event line at 08063286165 or 08068562796.

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By Amaechi Agbo

The Provost, ESUT College of Medicine, Prof Uchenna Ekwochi on Thursday launched a scholarship scheme for Primary 6 Pupils in Enugu State.

Prof Ekwochi made the launching during the 2026 Cultural Day of the Smart Green School, Umueze Awkunanaw Campus in Nkanu West Local Government.

Prof Ekwochi who sponsored the event, said he decided to partner with the management of the school to use the occasion to mark his birthday and that of his son as an appreciation to the school that groomed him.

Speaking during the event, the Provost whose administration has transformed the ESUT College of Medicine including expanding its quota from 240 to 350 – the highest number across the country – lauded the management of the campus for their administrative blueprint and praised Governor Peter Mbah for his ingenuity in introducing the smart school education system in the state.

“I want to express my gratitude to God who by His mercy granted me and my son the grace to add a new year to ourselves on this day, July 23, 2026. When the Head Teacher spoke about the cultural day in our platform, I discussed it with my wife and we reached out to him to sponsor the cultural day.

“Today we are not just honourd by the pupils who are here in their numbers but by the presence of some of my classmates and Igwe of our ancient community. While I was watching the pupils’ presentation, I spoke to my wife on what we can do for them and an idea came through. My wife suggested that we establish a scholarship scheme where we will be awarding a small token of N100, 000 to the best graduating pupil in Basic 6. We will be doing this every year as the Lord keeps us alive.” he said.

The Provost also praised the Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for introducing the Smart Green School model in the state stressing that it would empower the children to do exploits in life. The Prof of Pediatrics further commended the Smart Green School Umueze Campus under the administrative head of Mr Ngene Nwabuze on their efforts in nurturing the children at their care and urged them not to relent.

Prof Ekwochi further appealed to the good people of the community to take ownership of the new structure and safeguard it. Stressing “The government has done its best by providing us with this wonderful edifice and equipping it. It is therefore our solemn responsibility to take ownership of the school and protect it. This school does not belong to the state government, it belongs to us and we need to protect it for the sake of our children and the good of our community.

“We should therefore endeavour to protect the facilities from misuse and vandalism and assist the government in maintaining the structure and content of the Smart Green School “and other government facilities in our community.”

Earlier in his opening remark, the Head Teacher of the school, Mr Negne Nwabueze, expressed appreciation to Prof Ekwochi and his family for accepting to sponsor the Cultural Day. While appreciating the Enugu State Government for the Smart Green School system, he stated that the school has some teething challenges and expressed hope that the government and well-meaning individuals would come to their aide to solve them. 

“Our special appreciation to His Excellency, Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi the Executive Governor of Enugu State whose visionary leadership has made it possible for us to be here. You provided us with quality desks, tables and desks for teachers and the 25 classrooms and offices, solar-powered borehole with overhead tanks for water supply. There are also the provisions of smart boards, computers, Wi-Fi, science laboratory equipment, experiential learning equipment, digital library, books and many others, for the smooth and effective pedagogy.

“We may have some challenges but they are expected in a budding bold ideas like this and we trust the Governor and well-meaning philanthropists in and around our communities to come to our help soonest,” he said

Also speaking, the Igwe of Umueze Ancient Kingdom, HRH, Igwe Emeka Ani, the Igwe Na Ezoroha II, who was accompanied by the former Caretaker chairman of Umueze town Union Engr Okwudiri Ohaa, Commended the sponsor, Enugu State Government and the good people of hi kingdom for their support in sustaining basic primary education in the community.

The paramount ruler who described basic school as the incubator of great men and women, said that with proper leadership and continued support from all and sundry, the Smart Green School project of the Enugu State will continue to yield results.

Highlights of the Cultural Day were, breaking of birthday cake by the celebrants, presentations of cultural dances by the pupils, different souvenirs and singing of birthday songs to the celebrants.  

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The approval followed a rigorous accreditation exercise conducted by a high-powered MDCN team, which assessed facilities, manpower, and training standards at the ESUT College of Medicine and its affiliated teaching hospitals.

Announcing the development in Enugu on Wednesday, the Deputy Registrar of the Council, Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakanma, said the decision was based strictly on verifiable improvements in infrastructure, personnel, and clinical training capacity, stressing that the Council does not accredit projections but tangible performance.

“We do not accredit intentions or dreams. We accredit what we see on ground as at the time of assessment,” he said, underscoring the Council’s zero tolerance for breaches of approved quotas.

Dr. Nwakanma, who led the inspection team, expressed satisfaction with the scale of ongoing transformation at the university’s teaching hospital, describing it as a massive construction hub driven by purposeful leadership.

“What may appear chaotic to the uninitiated is in fact a coordinated project site, with multiple developments progressing simultaneously across different sections of the hospital. It speaks volumes about leadership that prioritises results over rhetoric,” he said.

He particularly commended the construction of a new Accident and Emergency Unit, noting that the Council had only recommended an expansion during its previous visit.

“The last time we came here, we complained about the Accident and Emergency Unit. All we said was for you to expand. We didn’t know that you were going to build a brand new Accident and Emergency Unit,” he added.

The MDCN team also inspected the upgraded Colliery Hospital and the 300-bed International Hospital, a major new medical facility in Enugu, which Nwakanma said could significantly contribute to reversing outbound medical tourism.

“We were not only stunned but we were in awe of the magnificence of the structure you are putting up here in the city of Enugu. Nigeria needs to know. Apart from the African Centre of Medical Excellence in Abuja, this hospital gives us hope for the possibility of actually reversing medical tourism in Nigeria,” he stated.

Dr Nwakanma reiterated that the quota system reflects the capacity of each institution’s facilities and teaching staff, warning that any attempt to exceed approved limits would attract sanctions.

“The number we approve is what your facilities and manpower can sustain. You can admit fewer, but never exceed it. The integrity of Nigeria’s medical training depends on strict adherence to these standards,” he stressed.

Reacting, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, welcomed the approval and assured the Council that the university would address identified gaps without delay.

“We will not produce half-baked medical personnel. The issues you raised will be addressed urgently. These are things that can be fixed within months,” he said, adding that the institution remained committed to upholding global best practices in medical education.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye, reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to sustain investments in the sector.

“Point out any deficiencies, and we will fix them in no distant time. The commitment of Governor Peter Mbah is total, and the team on ground is equally determined to deliver,” he said.

Dr Jaye also acknowledged the collaboration between the College leadership, including the Provost, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, the Chief Medical Director of the ESUT Teaching Hospital, Prof. Bethrand Ugwu, and other key officials, noting that the conducive working environment contributed significantly to the successful outcome.

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Enugu – The ESUT College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has honoured eight staff for their outstanding services to the College during the 2024/2025 academic year.

The staff were honoured on Tuesday during the 2^nd edition of the ESUT College of Medicine Annual Staff Merit Award Ceremony held at the College’s Auditorium Parklane, Enugu.

Among the award recipients were: Dr. Obiora Abonyi, Best Lecturer, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; Prof.Samuel Ghasi, Best Lecturer, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences; Dr. Chuma Onyejizu, Best Lecturer, Faculty of Clinical Medicine: Dr. Chinwe Chigbo, Best Performing Non Teaching Staff and Mrs Bridget Nwogba, Best Performing Casual Staff.

Others were honoured as the ESUT College of Medicine ESUCOM top Three Globally Visible Researchers. They are: Prof. Ikenna Ndu, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi and Associate Prof. Awoere Chinawa.

Speaking during the Award Ceremony, Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Chinedu Onu commended the institution of the Award by the College Management Board which emphasis the importance of hard work and reward therefrom.

Dr Onu averred that the Merit Award recognises value addition to the College and humanity and charged the awardees not to relent on their achievement but to put in more commitment in their services.

“What are you impact to the College? Are you using your position to victimise students and those placed under you or to mentor and make them grow? The reward for good work is more work. Last year there were pioneer awardees, today we have new ones. Next year, we will also have new ones and it could be any of you here,” he said.

Dr Onu who is a member in ESUT Governing Council promised to present Mrs Bridget Nwogba, Best Performing Casual Staff to the Council with a view to converting her to a permanent staff

On his part, Provost of the College, Professor Uche Ekwochi in his remark said the essence of the Annual Staff Merit Award is to promote excellence, commitment and professionalism in the workforce of the College.

 He congratulated the winners and thanked the Governor of the state, ESUT Governing Council, College Board, staff and students for their support and called on private and public companies and individuals to partner with the College in order to reposition it.

“This is the second edition of the ESUCOM Annual Staff Merit Award and while we had five persons in our maiden edition, this year’s ceremony has an addition of three other awards. The Committee saw the need to recognise those who have been promoting the University ranking through their publications on platforms such as Google Scholar and Researchgate.

“Therefore, let me congratulate the eight recipients of the award this year. The essence of this award, which by the special grace of God has come to stay and will be celebrated annually, is to promote greater commitment to work, enhance professionalism, enthrone probity and celebrate excellence.

“This award and everything we have done in the College would not have been achieved without the maximum support of the Governor of our dear state, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah who always listens to every memo or proposal we submitted to him. There has never been a request we made that didn’t receive positive response from him. Also to the University Governing Council, the Management, ESUCOM Board, staff and students of the College, I remain indebted in gratitude.

“I want to also use this medium to call on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations to partner with the College to help us achieve our targeted goal of repositioning the College to make it be at par with other Colleges globally,” he said.

While delivering the Award Lecture on the topic, “Promoting Excellence in Service Delivery and Research: The Engine Room of a Thriving Medical College,” the Director of ESUT Open Distance Learning (ODL), Associate Professor Okwuchikwu Ani emphasized the importance of mentorship and urged the staff to see their positions as opportunity to serve and develop humanity.

“You mentor people not to become like you but to be better than you. If you are not different, you cannot make a difference and that is why you must choose not to go the path everybody is going. Today, these awardees are recognised for making a difference. Let us continuously have it at the back of our mind that our positions as staff are opportunities to serve, to make impact,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of other awardees, the Best Lecturer in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Abonyi Obiora appreciated the management for the award and thanked the staff and student for their support

“On behalf of my fellow awardees,  I want to thank the Provost of the Professor Uchenna Ekwochi, for thinking ahead and setting this pace. As we’re meant to know, this is the only college/faculty that does this kind of award in the whole of ESUT. May God bless him and may he keep it up. It’s a way of encouraging hard work and rewarding excellence. Let the management keep it up,” he said

Highlights of the 2^nd Annual Merit Award of the ESUT College of Medicine 2025, were presentation of plaques, cash and certificates to the recipients as well as group photographs.

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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine will on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 hold its second Annual Meri Award ceremony.

The award, instituted by the current Provost of the College, Professor Uchenna Ekwochi in 2024, is aimed at recognizing top-performing staff, including lecturers and non-teaching personnel, to foster excellence and motivation within the workforce of the College

The Award Ceremony which will be chaired by the a member of ESUT Governing Council and Founder Agunecheibe Chinedu Onu, Founder/President, Michael Okpara Leadership and Entrepreneurship Centre Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, will hold at the ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) Auditorium, Parklane, Enugu commencing from 11am

The 2^nd edition of the ESUCOM Merit Award Ceremony will see some staff of the College honoured in the following categories: Best lecturers in the Faculties of College of Medicine, Best performing Non-Teaching Staff, Best performing Support (Casual) staff and Top 3 Globally Visible Researchers in the College.

According to the Provost, of the College, Professor Uchenna Ekwochi, “The top 3 globally visible researchers were selected using their scores in globally recognised research indices like H- index, i-10 index, number of citations and total reads as documented in Google scholar and Research gates.

This is one of the activities in the strategic plans of the Board of ESUT College of Medicine aimed at recognition of the meritorious services provided by the awardees and for motivation of the staff of the College towards excellent service delivery to the University.

It could be recalled that during the first edition of the Merit Award in December 2024, five staff were honoured for their outstanding performances during the year.

The pioneer recipients were: Best Lecturer in Faculty of Clinical Medicine went to former Provost, Prof. Frank Ezugwu; Best Lecturer in Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof. Samuel Ghasi; Best Lecturer in Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Joy Ebele Ikekpeazu; Best Performing Non-Teaching Staff, Mrs Philomina Chinwe Ogbodo and the Best Performing Casual Staff, Mrs Ijeoma Ugwu.

Interestingly, Mrs Ijeoma Ugwu, recognised as Best Performing Support (Casual) Staff, was offered automatic employment by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, ESUT, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa with immediate effect

“The Annual Merit Award is ESUCOM management’s way of saying thank you for the excellence service you have rendered to ESUCOM. It is also our way of telling the world how much premium we placed in quality service. The award will serve as a stimulant to other staff to strive for excellence. I thank our able Vice Chancellor and University Management for their great supports to College of Medicine,” Professor Uchenna Ekwochi, Provost of the College, said in an interview.

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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine (ESUCOM) will on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 hold its 2nd edition of staff and students Town Hall Meeting.

The Interactive Meeting aimed at cross-fertilization of ideas, is a platform to harness opinions and views of the staff and students on how to deliver optimally. Challenges facing pedagogy in the College will be the on the top burner.

The second edition comes after the management held the first edition in January and February this year.

The Town Hall Meeting is part of the management’s policy in ensuring that the welfare of the staff/students are taking care of for effective teaching while students are provided conducive environment for learning.

The meeting is expected to last from 12noon to 2pm.

More details are contained on the flyer below:

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The ESUT Catholic Community has announced Sunday, December 7 2025 as the date for the 2025 Annual Prayer and Get-together Programme.

According the Programme schedule, the event will take place at the ESUT College of Medicine Auditorium, Parklane, Enugu starting from 10am

All Catholic staff of ESUT are expected to attend the Annual Prayer and Get-together which serves as a thanksgiving celebration for the year.

Merry Christmas

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Questions Parents Are Asking

Based on insights from Dr. Ikenna Kingsley Ndu, Professor of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Nigeria

(Adapted from: Ndu IK. “Sudden infant death syndrome: an unrecognized killer in developing countries.” Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics. 2016;7:1–4. doi: 10.2147/PHMT.S99685)

Introduction

Every parent dreams of watching their baby grow and thrive. That’s why nothing is more devastating than losing a healthy child suddenly and without warning. Around the world, thousands of families each year face this heartbreak through Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)—the unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby, usually during sleep.
In this article, we answer common questions about SIDS—what it is, how it happens, and, most importantly, how parents and caregivers can help prevent it.

What exactly is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, often called SIDS (previously referred to as ‘cot death’ in older literature, a term now avoided because it can be imprecise and outdated), refers to the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under one year of age, usually during sleep. Even after detailed medical checks, a review of the circumstances, and an autopsy, no clear cause is found.

It falls under a broader term called Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), which includes both explained and unexplained sudden infant deaths. SIDS represents the unexplained group and remains one of the most heartbreaking challenges in child health.

How common is it?

Globally, around 30,600 babies died from SIDS in 2021. While this number sounds high, it represents a significant decline from the early 1990s, when nearly 75,000 babies were lost each year. Safe sleep campaigns and greater awareness have helped reduce SIDS deaths worldwide.

In the United States, SIDS remains one of the top three causes of infant death, claiming about 1,500 babies in 2022. Most cases occur when babies are between 2 and 4 months old, and about 9 in 10 happen before 6 months. Boys are affected slightly more than girls.

In Nigeria, reliable figures are hard to find. Few studies exist, and cultural beliefs or lack of autopsies mean many deaths go unrecorded. Some parents may attribute such deaths to spiritual attacks by enemies, the ogbanje phenomenon, or other mystical causes, while others never report them to hospitals. This underreporting makes it difficult to know how many Nigerian infants die from SIDS each year—but doctors believe the number is significant given the country’s high infant mortality rate overall.

What are the risk factors?

Some risks are beyond a parent’s control, while others can be changed.

• Unavoidable factors: low birth weight, premature birth, recent infections, and poverty.
• Modifiable factors: sleeping face-down or on the side, exposure to cigarette smoke, overheating from heavy bedding, and bed-sharing with adults.

On the positive side, breastfeeding, keeping up with vaccinations, and allowing babies to sleep in the same room (but not the same bed) as their parents have all been shown to lower the risk.

Why is SIDS less recognised in Nigeria and other developing countries?

• Few autopsies are done: Families often refuse post-mortems due to cultural or religious beliefs.
• Cultural explanations: Some parents believe the child’s death is due to spiritual attacks by enemies or the ogbanje phenomenon, which are seen as supernatural rather than medical events.
• Poor reporting: Many cases are recorded as “Brought in dead” or “dead on arrival,” and further investigations are not carried out.
• Low awareness: Unlike developed countries, Nigeria lacks national “Safe Sleep” education campaigns.

Because of these barriers, SIDS remains hidden and under-discussed, even though many of these deaths are preventable.

What can parents and caregivers do to reduce the risk?

Simple changes save lives:

• Always place babies on their backs to sleep.
• Use a firm mattress—no pillows, soft toys, or heavy blankets.
• Keep the baby’s sleep area cool and uncluttered.
• Avoid smoking during and after pregnancy.
• Let the baby sleep in the same room as you, but not in the same bed.
• Support breastfeeding and routine immunization.

These steps are simple, safe, and effective.

Why is it important to talk about SIDS now?

Nigeria’s infant mortality rate is still among the highest in the world. Talking openly about SIDS can:

• Replace fear and superstition with knowledge.
• Help grieving parents find understanding and support.
• Encourage safe baby-care practices in every home.

When families know how to create safer sleep environments, many of these tragedies can be prevented.

What is the way forward?

Nigeria needs to build awareness, strengthen hospital reporting, and educate families through health centres, antenatal clinic (ANC) health talks, churches, mosques, and the media. Every caregiver should know how to create a safe sleep space.
By incorporating SIDS education into ANC visits, mothers and caregivers can receive timely guidance on safe sleep practices even before the baby is born. With stronger community education and compassionate health care, we can reduce infant deaths and give more babies a chance to thrive

A Mother’s Story: “I Thought I Was Being Careful

“My daughter Ada was only three months old. One night, I let her sleep beside me because she had been crying, in order to console her and monitor her body temperature in case she developed a fever. Usually, my other children develop fever after crying like that.

I woke up in the morning and she wasn’t breathing. I had never heard about the dangers of bed-sharing. I blamed myself for months. Now I share my story to tell other mothers—please, always let your baby sleep on their back and in their own space.”
— Ngozi, mother from Enugu

(Story shared with permission, name changed for privacy. While the exact cause was never confirmed, this tragic event highlights the risks of unsafe sleep environments that can lead to SUDI, including SIDS. Such losses can also place enormous emotional strain on families—especially when a grieving mother faces blame or misunderstanding from her spouse or relatives. Compassionate counselling and family support are crucial in the healing process.)

Safe Sleep Checklist for Every Parent

Do’s:

• Place your baby on their back for every sleep.
• Use a firm mattress and keep it flat.
• Keep the crib or cot clear of pillows, toys, or loose bedding.
• Share your room—but not your bed—for at least the first six months.
• Breastfeed if possible—it helps lower SIDS risk.
• Immunize on schedule—healthy babies sleep safer.

Don’ts:

• Don’t put your baby to sleep on their stomach or side.
• Don’t overheat your baby—avoid heavy blankets or head coverings.
• Don’t smoke or let anyone smoke near your baby.
• Don’t let your baby sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair.

In Conclusion

SIDS may be rare, but for the families it touches, the pain is immeasurable.
Awareness and simple preventive steps can make the difference between tragedy and safety. Every conversation, every campus seminar, every clinic visit that spreads this message can save a child’s life.

Together, we can make our university community and Nigeria a place where every baby sleeps safely and wakes up smiling.

Dr. Ndu is a Professor of Paediatrics at the College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Nigeria.
He is passionate about promoting evidence-based parenting and creating safer environments for children across Nigeria.

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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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