A former Head of Anatomy department in Ekiti State University (EKSU) Ado-Ekiti, Dr Adebanji Akingbade has called for the swift passage of the Anatomy Act by the National Assembly for it to be practised across universities in the country.
Akingbade, who disclosed that the legislation which has reached second reading in the House of Representatives when passed and assented to by the president, would aid academic research in the field of anatomy in the institutions.
The university lecturer spoke during the third annual seminar and award ceremony of the Department of Anatomy in EKSU tagged, ‘Anatomy Education and Research in Nigeria : Current trends, challenges and future directions ‘ under the leadership of the president, Michael Jokotoye .
Akingbade tasked the Federal Government and the lawmakers to ensure the bill is passed and assented to as soon as possible to guarantee effective practice of anatomy in all universities across the states.
He noted that anatomical education should be embraced by all, adding that it was a science that helped in tackling prevalent health challenges in the society.
According to him, “Anatomical Act has reached second reading and there’s a need for it to be passed into law quickly.
“We want approval for the Anatomical Act so that we have a licence to effectively practice anatomy, not only in EKSU but in all the universities across the states.”
Akingbade, who received an award of excellence during the event, revealed that the first set of graduating students of Anatomy department in EKSU is currently under the scheme of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across the country.
He said that the seminar was the third in the history of the university, with the aim of sensitising and re-educate the students about the prospects of Anatomy in Nigeria.
The dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor Awoyinka Olayinka advised the students not to be intimidated, but to rather exhibit the act of professionalism in their endeavours.
“Don’t be intimidated wherever you find yourself, exhibit professionalism as Anatomy students,” he said.
On his part, the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor James Bamidele who was represented by Professor Olatunde Oseni, charged the students not to be deterred in facing challenges in life.
