Shugaba: Anatomy is foundation of medical practice
By Musa Ishaq
Professor Ali Is’haq Shugaba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, and Provost, College of Medicine, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), has reaffirmed the vital role of anatomy in medical practice.
Shugaba stated that anatomy remains the foundation of medicine, ensuring a solid basis for medical practice and guarantees safe life.
Shugaba said that understanding of anatomy was crucial for the success of biological and medical sciences.
He said:, “Understanding gross human anatomy is fundamental to daily clinical activities, such as symptom evaluation, physical examination, imaging techniques interpretation and therapeutic procedures.”
Shugaba spoke while delivering his professorial inaugural lecture, the 23rd, in FULafia.
Shugaba’s inaugural lecture was titled: “Between Creation and Dying: Of Structures, Functions and Diseases.”
The event was held at the MIS Multi-purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.
Shugaba, who delved into the intricate relationships between biological processes and life, highlighted the importance of anatomy in the processes.
Shugaba, a professor of clinical and microscopic anatomy, pointed out the significance of micro anatomy in gaining
insights into the relationships between structure and function of the human body, leading to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering.
He recommended that a basic degree in anatomy should be made requirement for studying medicine and dentistry, urging professional associations to enhance anatomy education for a comprehensive understanding of living systems.
Shugaba emphasised the importance of incorporating AI in the field of medicine, calling for caution and ethical considerations in its application.
He proposed the establishment of a department of biomedical engineering at FULafia to train and and provide services related to biology, nutrition, engineering, technology and AI.
Shugaba re-emphasised the need for regulatory bodies and other post-graduate professional establishments to collaborate with governments to provide better health for effective and improved healthcare delivery in the society.
Earlier, while declaring the occasion open, the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, praised Shugaba for his commitment to medical sciences while recognising his significant contributions to the field of anatomy.
Abdul Rahman said that Shugaba’s lecture was the first from the Department of Anatomy and the second in the College of Medicine.
He commended him for his hard work, dedication to academic excellence while he served as the director of Research and Creative Thoughts Directorate.
On his part, Professor Ishaya Tanko, the co-chairman of the event and representative of the vice-chancellor of University of Jos, Professor Nestor Chagok, the Dean, Faculty of Natural Science, said that Shugaba’s significant contributions to the Department of Anatomy at the University of Jos, praised Shugaba for his excellence in the field of anatomy.
Chagok congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Abdul Rahman, for leading the University towards achieving a prominent position among academic institutions.
Chagok expressed his admiration for FULafia’s commitment to excellence, noting that the University “is making a mark on the world stage.”
Prof. Josephine Odey, the Chairperson, Inaugural Lecture Committee of the FULafia, who was represented at the event by the Dean, Faculty of Education, FULafia, Prof. Abu Ozegya, expressed her gratitude for Shugaba’s contributions to medical knowledge, noting that his work has advanced clinical practices globally.
The event was climaxed with the presentation of certificate and plaque to Shugaba by Abdul Rahman.
The lecture attracted well-wishers, traditional rulers, politicians and other dignitaries.
