The President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN), Professor Angela Danborno, has urged Nigeria to move from being a consumer of knowledge generated elsewhere to becoming a producer of neuroscience research addressing the country’s health and social realities.
Danborno made the call while declaring open the 23rd Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the society in Abuja.
She said rapid developments in artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, neurogenetics, brain-machine interfaces and precision medicine were transforming understanding of the brain and creating opportunities for Nigeria.
“For Nigeria, this presents both challenges and enormous opportunities,” Danborno said.
“We must ensure Nigerian neuroscience does not remain merely a consumer of knowledge generated elsewhere, but becomes an active contributor, generating knowledge that addresses our own populations and the unique realities of Africa.”
The NSN president said the conference was intended to strengthen scientific exchange, collaboration, mentorship and professional networks among Nigerian neuroscientists.
She said strengthening the next generation of scientists had been a major focus of her tenure, noting that increased travel awards for delegates would provide opportunities for researchers to advance their careers.
“The future of neuroscience in Nigeria will be determined not only by what we accomplish today, but by the scientists we develop for tomorrow,” she said.
Danborno also called for neuroscience to become more accessible to the Nigerian public, announcing that the society was strengthening brain-awareness activities and introducing neuroscience to secondary school students through the Nigerian Brain B competition.
She said public engagement was necessary to build scientific curiosity and develop the next generation of neuroscientists.
“Our greatest achievement will ultimately be measured not by conferences organised or awards given, but by the knowledge we generate, the scientists we inspire, and the lives we improve through better understanding of human brain,” Danborno said.
She also disclosed that the society had recorded improved conference registration and membership-dues compliance, while thanking institutions and organisations supporting its activities.
The conference has the theme “Neuroeducation and Neurotechnology.”
Justina Asishana, Minna