A professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Elkenah C. Ndie, has underscored the pivotal role of nutrition in public health, emphasising food security and the benefits of traditional Nigerian diets.

The don, who hails from the university's Faculty of Health Sciences, underlined the grave impact of poverty and income inequality on food accessibility.

He urged policymakers to address these systemic barriers to improve national health outcomes.

Ndie made these assertions on Thursday while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed, "Nursing Science: An Applied Science Care for All." 

Presenting the lecture at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja, the don revealed that his research has focused on the availability, accessibility, and quality of food, particularly in rural areas, and highlighted the need for robust nutritional education to improve dietary choices, especially among vulnerable populations.

In a striking revelation, Ndie discussed the connection between drivers’ health and road safety, saying that many commercial drivers in Nigeria suffer from health issues such as hypertension and high blood sugar, often worsened by poor dietary habits and substance abuse.

He said: "Many drivers miss meals, rely on alcohol or drugs to stay awake, and lack access to regular health check-ups."

He emphasised the significant risks these behaviours pose to road safety.

To address these challenges, he recommended the establishment of workplace clinics for transport companies, mandatory nutritional education for drivers, and stricter enforcement of drug and alcohol testing policies.

The lecturer emphasised the pivotal role of nurses in addressing public health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, and chronic illnesses, while calling for a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members to improve health outcomes.

The professor further challenged the misconception of nursing as a “female profession” and asserted that the nurturing qualities of nurses transcend gender, making them essential contributors to patient care and public health.

In his earlier remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, commended the presenter for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.

He described the lecture’s theme as a critical exploration of care’s transformative power in health and society.

Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Chinedu Mafiana, said: “Nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems; their work goes beyond medical interventions to fostering holistic wellbeing, and their impact is felt in every aspect of our lives."

He expressed gratitude to the organisers and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to advancing excellence in education and health sciences.

The VC also congratulated the Faculty of Health Sciences, encouraging continued innovation and dedication to improving lives through care and education.