UNIZIK 125th Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Comfort Akujobi, Raises Alarm Over Rising Antimicrobial Resistance.
The 125th Inaugural Lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Comfort Nne Akujobi of the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, has raised serious concerns over the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), describing it as a global health challenge requiring urgent collective action.
Prof. Akujobi made this known on Thursday, May 14, 2026, while delivering the University’s 125th Inaugural Lecture titled: “Who Is Winning the Antimicrobial Resistance War: Man or Microbes?”
In her lecture, the Professor described antimicrobials as one of the greatest pillars of modern medicine, used in treating infections ranging from minor illnesses to life-threatening diseases in humans and animals. She explained that antimicrobial resistance represents an ongoing battle between humans and microorganisms, stressing that microbes constantly evolve to survive antimicrobial attacks.
According to her, the discovery of penicillin in the 1940s marked a breakthrough in medicine, but despite scientific advancements, antimicrobial resistance cannot be completely eliminated. She noted that global attention should instead focus on controlling, containing, and mitigating its spread.
“The use of an antimicrobial forces microbes to either adapt or die,” she stated.
Prof. Akujobi identified irrational and inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs as a major driver of resistance worldwide. She warned against the widespread culture of self-medication, especially the indiscriminate treatment of “malaria and typhoid” without proper medical diagnosis.
“People should stop treating malaria and typhoid indiscriminately. It is a waste of money and it also accelerates antimicrobial resistance,” she cautioned, while also urging patients to complete prescribed medication doses.
She further listed factors fueling antimicrobial resistance to include unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for non-bacterial infections, poor hygiene practices, self-medication, and excessive antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine and agriculture.
As part of her recommendations, the scholar called for sustained public education on responsible antimicrobial use, stronger infection prevention measures, establishment of effective infection prevention and control programmes in hospitals, antimicrobial surveillance systems, development of newer antibiotics, and increased use of bacterial vaccines.
Prof. Akujobi also demonstrated the ten World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended handwashing steps, emphasising proper hygiene as a critical strategy in preventing infections and combating antimicrobial resistance.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, described the lecture as timely, enlightening, and impactful. He noted that antimicrobial resistance has become a major global health concern demanding immediate and collective responsibility.
The Vice-Chancellor urged members of the University community and the general public to take the warnings and recommendations shared during the lecture seriously, especially regarding hygiene, responsible medication practices, and adherence to medical advice.
Prof. Anyaehie further reaffirmed the commitment of the University administration to promoting research and academic excellence through inaugural lectures. He announced that subsequent inaugural lectures would also be hosted at the College of Health Sciences, Nnewi, in addition to the Awka campus, to improve accessibility and convenience for scholars and members of the College community.
The highlight of the event was the decoration of Prof. Comfort Nne Akujobi by the Vice-Chancellor as the 125th Inaugural Lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The event attracted several dignitaries including the Bursar, Mr. Gozie Egwuatu; Council Member, Prof. Igwebuike Onyiaorah; Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. J.K.C. Emejulu; Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Mbachu; Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo; Emeritus Prof. Rob Egwuatu; former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu; Prof. Richard Uwakwe; alongside other Deans, Heads of Departments, Professors, staff, and guests of the University.