By Jude Michael
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, has continued to blaze the trail as the citadel of learning on Thursday, 15th August, 2024, held its 15th Inaugural Lecture Series at the Varsity’s ETF Auditorium, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
The 15th Inaugural lecturer, a Consultant Pathologist with COOU, Prof. Chukwudi Onyeaghana Okani, while addressing his audience, stated that post-mortem examinations remained the key to addressing “Slump and Die” incidents in Nigeria.
He called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently employ more pathologists in health facilities across the country. This, he believed, would help curb this disturbing trend.
Prof. Okani emphasized that post-mortem examinations were crucial and remained one of the most effective tools for determining the actual cause of death. According to him, only a pathologist was trained to provide an accurate diagnosis that could inform efforts to protect the living from similar fates.
Delivering the Lecture, the University Don explored the theme, “Harmony in Healing: Bridging Life’s Journey for the Living and Extracting Wisdom from The Departed”. He stressed that Pathology provided critical insights that not only informed accurate diagnoses but also contributed to the development of targeted therapies.
‘We are often referred to as the ‘’Supreme Court’’ of medicine because our work provides the foundation for both diagnosis and treatment. By performing autopsies, we allow the deceased to continue teaching the living. The knowledge we extract from the deceased informs improvements in healthcare for the living.’
Prof. Okani further explained the importance of post-mortem examinations in cases where the cause of death is unknown, unnatural, or occurs under suspicious circumstances.
He highlighted the dangers of burying individuals who succumbed to “slump and die” incidents without a proper examination, as this often led to counteraccusations and speculations among family members about spiritual or ritual causes of death.
‘Post-mortem examinations are vital in dispelling myths and ensuring clarity for the living. It is the only solution to the alarming rise of these sudden deaths which have claimed the lives of many, both young and old. I urge anyone seeking treatment to ensure that a qualified pathologist is available at the hospital. If not, they should reconsider their options.’
In conclusion, Prof. Okani called on both Federal and State Governments to prioritize the employment of pathologists across the nation’s health facilities to combat the growing health challenge.
Prof. Okani’s presentation, which marked his decoration as the University’s 15th Inaugural Lecturer, garnered significant attention and added prestige to the event.
