The Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture, held at the University of Port Harcourt’s CBN Centre for Excellence Auditorium, was a significant event honoring the enduring contributions of the late Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs. The lecture served as a platform to reflect on his impact within the academic community, his hometown Abonnema, Rivers State, and Africa as a whole.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described Prof. Nimi Briggs as a selfless and dedicated individual who cared deeply about humanity. He highlighted Prof. Briggs’ unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and the advancement of society. His leadership and contributions extended beyond the university, leaving a lasting mark on the development of medical education and public health in Nigeria.
The chair occupant Prof.Ngozi, a former student of Prof. Briggs, delivered a heartfelt speech about his mentorship and dedication to his field. She recounted how he played a pivotal role in her academic and professional growth. Additionally, she noted his passion for sports and fitness, emphasizing how he managed to stay physically active despite his demanding schedule. His belief in the connection between physical well-being and productivity was evident in his daily habits.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, delivered an insightful lecture on the topic “The Longevity of Man”, focusing on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. His presentation addressed the declining life expectancy in Nigeria, which has dropped to 60 years, and provided practical solutions to help individuals lead longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Wada outlined several key recommendations:
1. Healthy Eating – A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is vital for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.
2. Adequate Sleep – Quality sleep is crucial for mental and physical well-being. Poor sleeping habits contribute to stress, weakened immunity, and overall health decline.
3. Regular Health Check-ups – Preventive healthcare measures, including routine medical check-ups, can help detect and manage health conditions early.
4. Exercise and Fitness – Engaging in regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, boosts circulation, and reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
5. Avoiding Harmful Habits – Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor dietary choices should be minimized or eliminated.
In addition to discussing healthy lifestyle practices, Dr. Ibrahim Wada highlighted the significant role of technological advancements in genetic editing and stem cell therapy in promoting longevity and treating life-threatening diseases.
Dr. Wada emphasized the potential of genetic editing technologies, such as CRISPR, in addressing various genetic disorders. He explained how these advancements have paved the way for more precise and effective treatments for conditions that were previously difficult to manage. Notable examples include:
1. Sickle Cell Anemia – Gene-editing techniques are now being used to correct the faulty gene responsible for sickle cell disease, offering hope for a permanent cure.
2. Parkinson’s Disease – Genetic research has led to breakthroughs in understanding the molecular causes of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, with the potential for targeted treatments.
3. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) – Gene therapy is being explored as a means to regenerate insulin-producing cells, which could revolutionize diabetes management.
4. Cancer Treatment – Advances in genetic engineering are enabling more personalized cancer therapies, including CAR-T cell therapy, which enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
Dr. Wada also shed light on the growing field of stem cell therapy, which has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to tissue repair, cellular regeneration, and oxygen rejuvenation. He explained that stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into specialized cells and repair damaged tissues, thereby contributing to improved health and longevity. Some key benefits of stem cell therapy include:
Dr. Wada emphasized that while lifestyle choices remain crucial, modern medicine, particularly genetic advancements and regenerative therapies, offers new hope for healthier and longer lives. The combination of healthy living, regular medical check-ups, and cutting-edge scientific interventions could significantly improve life expectancy, particularly in countries like Nigeria where longevity is a growing concern.
The late Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs was not only a distinguished academic but also a highly respected administrator and leader in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Throughout his illustrious career, he held several key positions that significantly shaped the development of university education, policy formulation, and governance in Nigeria.
Prof. Nimi Briggs served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening academic standards, enhancing research capabilities, and improving the university’s global reputation.
Prof. Briggs was also a member of the Strategy Advisory Committee of the National Universities Commission (NUC), where he contributed to policy recommendations for the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria. His involvement in this committee reflected his dedication to educational reform, curriculum development, and university accreditation processes.
In his closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, delivered a brief yet profound statement, emphasizing that Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Briggs lives on through the enduring legacy he has left behind. His contributions to academia, medicine, and university governance will continue to influence generations of scholars, medical professionals, and policymakers.
The event was graced by a his wife and children, immediate siblings, remarkable assembly of professors, scholars, and professionals from both within and outside the University of Port Harcourt. Many of them had personal and professional connections with the late Prof. Briggs, having either worked alongside him or been mentored by him during his lifetime.
Their presence shows the deep respect and admiration he commanded in the academic and medical communities. It was not just a lecture but a celebration of a life well spent in the service of education, humanity, and national development.
