The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Advanced School on Stroke Neurochemistry and Cerebrovascular Resilience, in collaboration with the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), has called for increased scientific, clinical, and policy action towards preventing, managing, and rehabilitating stroke across Africa.
The call was made during the opening ceremony of the ISN–ABUAD Advanced School on Stroke Neurochemistry and Cerebrovascular Resilience, themed “Stroke Neurochemistry and Neurovascular Resilience,” which is being held from August 3 to 11, 2026, at the university.
The landmark scientific programme was made possible through a competitive educational support grant from the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), following an application by Dr Edem E. Edem, Director of the ISN–ABUAD Advanced School 2026 and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.
The grant provided support towards hosting the specialised neuroscience training programme, which has attracted leading neuroscience researchers, clinicians, and early career scientists from Nigeria, Africa, and other parts of the world.
The school was designed as a specialised capacity-building initiative for 30 competitively selected early-career neuroscientists, including senior doctoral researchers and postdoctoral candidates, providing them with advanced training, mentorship, practical laboratory exposure, and opportunities for international scientific collaboration.
In her welcome address at the event, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said that stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, demanding innovative research, multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based interventions.
“This Advanced School brings together scientists, clinicians and young researchers to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular disease and to explore new strategies for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
ALSO READ: APC failed to sell Tinubu’s achievements to Nigerians — Orji Kalu
“At ABUAD, we remain committed to advancing knowledge through cutting-edge research, innovation, and global partnership. We are proud to host this programme in collaboration with the International Society for Neurochemistry, creating a platform for intellectual exchange and discoveries that can benefit lives across continents,” she said.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Rufus Akinyemi, Professor of Geriatric Neurology and Translational Neuroscience at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, emphasised the need for urgent action in addressing the rising burden of stroke in Africa.
He highlighted the importance of early detection, effective management of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity, as critical strategies for reducing stroke burden on the continent.
Akinyemi said, “Every six minutes, six Africans develop a stroke. So that is why it is very important for us to run a school on this topic from a research perspective, from public health perspective, and from academic advocacy or policy perspective.”
He further emphasised the role of healthy lifestyles, environmental factors, policy interventions, and partnerships among government, industry, and researchers in improving brain health outcomes.
Other international faculty members, including Prof. Amadi Ihunwo of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, and Prof. Maria Rosa Chitolina of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, commended ABUAD’s commitment to advancing neuroscience research and creating a platform for global scientific collaboration.
They noted that stroke remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, Africa, and globally and emphasised the importance of neuroscience training programmes that strengthen research capacity and promote collaboration.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV