From Research to Real World Health Solutions: The UNIZIK Quality
UNIZIK Jubilee Lecturer, Prof. Enweani -Nwokelo spotlights Journey from Research to Real World Health Solutions
A Professor of Medical Microbiology and Public Health at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ifeoma Bessie Enweani-Nwokelo has underscored the importance of translating scientific research into practical solutions at the 3rd University Jubilee Academic Lecture, held on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the ASUU Secretariat.
The lecture topic was themed “From Bench to Society": 25 Years of Translating Science into Sustainable Health Innovations.”
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, (His Royal Highness) Prof. Harry Ogochukwu Obi-Nwosu welcomed participants and commended the University for sustaining the lecture series while acknowledging the contributions of the first Jubilee lecturer, Prof. Emeritus Brian Adinma, and the second lecturer, Prof. Emeritus Anyanwu as he congratulated Prof. Enweani-Nwokelo on her selection.
He noted that the Vice-Chancellor, though unavoidably absent, was following the event via live stream and remained fully supportive of the initiative. Subsequently Prof. Obi- Nwosu declared the lecture open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor
In her lecture, Prof. Enweani-Nwokelo traced her 25-year research journey across infectious diseases, food safety, environmental pollution, agriculture and indigenous plant resources. She explained how research into health challenges affecting communities had shaped her commitment to ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into tangible societal benefits.
A major focus was her long-running research into soursop and sweetsop, which began with questions about childhood diarrhea and expanded into investigations of antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory effects and gut micro biota.
The Jubilees Lecturer also highlighted research into indigenous plants as potential resources for addressing antimicrobial resistance, stressing that traditional knowledge must be subjected to rigorous scientific testing.
As an example of translating research into practical applications, she showcased the Besomik product range developed through the university’s Health Sciences Research Cluster and included Besomik Soursop Juice, Adu Flour, Ona Vita, Baby Nutri Mix, Children Nutri Mix, Green Tea, Bitter Tea, Mushroom and Medicinal Honey.
Prof. Enweani-Nwokelo explained that research commercialisation could create jobs, support local farmers and expand opportunities for university innovations to benefit society. However, she stressed that successful translation requires quality assurance, safety assessment, regulatory approval, environmental conservation and sustained collaboration with industry.
Prof. Enweani-Nwokelo urged universities and government to strengthen funding for pilot production and scale-up, recognise societal impact alongside academic publications, improve technology transfer mechanisms and involve industry in research from the outset.
She also encouraged young scientists to investigate real community problems, explore indigenous resources scientifically and pursue their findings beyond journal publication to practical application.
“The deepest satisfaction in science is not a citation, it is a mother who tells you that her child is well,” she said, emphasising the ultimate human value of scientific research.
The event featured the decoration of Prof. Enweani-Nwokelo as the Jubilee lecturer, presentation of gifts, musical performances by the Department of Music and an exhibition of products from the university’s Health Sciences Research Cluster.
Other Dignitaries present included Prof. Emeritus Amaechi Onyeka, Prof. Emeritus F. J. C. Odibo, Prof. Dolly Adinma, Prof. Nkiru Agbakoba, Prof. Ken Ekwealor, Prof. Chinyelu Nwokolo, Prof. Amaka Akudo and Chief Ogbalu, among others.
The lecture reinforced UNIZIK’s commitment to promoting research, innovation and collaboration to address public health challenges and advance sustainable development.
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