FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Dean of the School of Dentistry, University of Benin, UNIBEN, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu on Thursday charged the alumni to commit to the development of their alma mater as a way of giving back to the society.
Professor Ize-Iyamu made the remarks in Benin City while delivering the opening address at the 14th Annual Scientific Conference/10th lecture series and alumni reunion of the school with the theme, ‘Oral Health in Africa: The State Of Affairs, Emerging Trends And Future Prospects.’
Ize-Iyamu, who said this year’s conference theme was carefully chosen to embrace the community, appreciated an alumnus of the school, Professor Christopher Okunseri of Marquette University, USA, for his unwavering support for the university and the School of Dentistry over the years.
The don said alumni play very important roles in their alma mater and urged the alumni of the institution to engage the School of Dentistry in needs assessment and identify landmark projects for expansion, quality teaching, training and mentorship as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, and giving back to the society.
“In my six months as dean, the alumni have assisted the school in the acquisition of equipment, provision of an 18-seater Toyota Haice bus, dental loupes, rotary endodontic handpieces, mobile dental units, books, journals, computer training of non-academic staff and renovation of the School of Dentistry transcript room, BUDSA office and students classroom.
“As part of our CSR as a school, we also gave back to the academic community by carrying out free oral health outreach and treatment programme at the Faculty of Law on August 13. I am grateful to our volunteers, donors, sponsors and students who were there in large numbers as a team, working together to make it successful,” Ize-Iyamu said.
Ize-Iyamu, who reiterated the need for research and funding in the health sector, said research plays a large and major role in any university.
Speaking, Professor Okunseri said oral health remains a low priority in many African countries, which undermines prevention, treatment and oral health promotion.
According to him, half of the countries in the region do not have oral health documents.
Dignitaries present at the event include the Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Edoba Omoregie (SAN), represented by the DVC (Administration), Professor Christopher Osubor, Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Wilson Sadoh and Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ihensekhien, among others.
