At UNIZIK 124th Inaugural Lecture, Prof Solomon Ukibe exposes why Parasitology is central to Medical Practice.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the 124th inaugural lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Solomon Nwabueze David Ukibe of the Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology presented his inaugural lecture titled: “Parasitology: The Basis of Medical Practice”
Delivering the lecture, Prof. Ukibe described parasitology as a key foundation of medical practice. He traced its origins from ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians and Greeks to modern scientific advancements following the invention of the microscope in the 17th century.
He further explained that the field gained significant ground in the 19th century with the development of germ theory, which provided a scientific explanation of how microorganisms, including parasites, cause diseases.
He highlighted major discoveries such as mosquito transmission of malaria and the understanding of parasite life cycle noting that parasitology remains essential today, particularly in tropical medicine as its knowledge and understanding play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases.
The Professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology emphasised that parasitology remains fundamental to effective medical practice, describing it as a core discipline that underpins diagnosis and treatment across medical specialities.
He said the lecture topic was chosen to address what he described as the persistent neglect of parasitology despite its critical relevance to human health.
“Parasitology is important in all fields of medicine, including surgery, gynaecology, internal medicine and others,” he said. “Most doctors regard it as an area meant for people in biological sciences, yet most conditions treated in medicine originate from parasitology.”
According to him, the discipline is often misunderstood and underestimated in clinical practice, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.
He cited malaria as a major example of a parasitic disease frequently mismanaged in the general population.
“Malaria affects every organ in the body. People suffering from malaria often go to the pharmacy to buy chloroquine or other drugs and assume it has been treated,” he said. “But when they come to a parasitologist and are told they still have malaria, they don’t agree. Some even call it typhoid or other names.”
Ukibe further warned that misdiagnosis can have serious consequences, noting that some conditions mistaken for chronic illnesses may in fact be parasitic infections.
“Some illnesses diagnosed as cancer may just be parasites. If you don’t think about the illness first, you won’t get the diagnosis,” he added.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie praised Prof. Ukibe for his insightful lecture even as he drew an analogy between parasites as organisms in the human body and parasitic behaviour of human beings. . The Vice Chancellor decried parasitic behaviour in both academic and social settings, linking it metaphorically to productivity and responsibility.
Represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Angela Ufele-Obesie, the Vice-Chancellor said individuals who benefit without contributing meaningfully to institutions or society could be regarded as “parasites.”
“If you are not working in this university and you are being paid, you are a parasite as well as a disturbance to the peace of the university,” he said.
He extended the analogy to family structures and individual responsibility, stressing the importance of accountability at all levels.
“Even in families, there are responsibilities expected of everyone. Once you are not doing the work and thereby giving your parents a headache, you are a parasite,” he stated.
He also called for proper job orientation, particularly for new entrants into the institution, to ensure clarity of duties and expectations.
“Everyone should know their job and be ready to perform it. Failure to do so while collecting salaries at the end of the month makes such persons parasites and they should be ready to face the consequences,” he added.
Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Series, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu commended the inaugural lecturer, the university management and special guests who attended the event while Prof. Cornelius Ukwueze gave the vote of thanks.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including past principal officers of the university such as Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, former Acting Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Robinson Ifeanyichukwu Egwuatu, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); and Prof. Fredrick Odibo, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Gladys Ahaneku, Prof Echendu Adinma and a range of other distinguished professors from the College of Health Sciences, Nnewi.