By Our Correspondent, Ilorin.
A renowned Nigerian medical expert, Professor Ali Ajibola Akanbi II, has sounded the alarm over the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), warning that it could become one of the most severe global health crises of the 21st century if urgent steps are not taken.
Professor Akanbi, a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, issued the warning while delivering the 288th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin, titled “The Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Experience of a Clinical Microbiologist.”
He described AMR as a “silent pandemic” driven by the widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics, both in humans and agriculture.
“We are heading towards a time when common infections may no longer respond to treatment due to the reckless abuse of antibiotics,” he warned.
The professor emphasized that AMR is not merely a medical problem but a societal one that demands urgent, coordinated action from the government, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
“If we continue down this path, even newly developed antibiotics will become useless. “Without responsible usage, we are undermining our own medical advances,”he cautioned.
Outlining a multi-faceted strategy to combat the threat, Professor Akanbi called for sustained public education on the dangers of self-medication, incomplete antibiotic courses, and the casual sharing of leftover drugs.
“People must understand the risks involved in misusing antibiotics. These are not painkillers or vitamins,they are precision tools meant to be used under expert guidance,” he stressed.
He also advocated for strengthened antibiotic stewardship programmes to ensure proper prescription practices.
“It’s about prescribing the right drug, at the right dose, for the right duration. Anything short of that breeds resistance,”according to him.
The microbiologist further recommended the integration of combination therapies, probiotics, and prebiotics into treatment plans, as well as enhanced infection prevention and control practices, especially in hospitals and farms.
Highlighting the need for data-driven responses, Professor Akanbi called for robust surveillance systems to monitor resistance trends and guide treatment protocols. “Without accurate data, we’re fighting blind,” he said.
He also urged tighter environmental controls, particularly in agriculture, to prevent antibiotics from leaking into water and food systems. “Managing waste and runoff from farms is vital in curbing the spread of resistance,” he said.
Professor Akanbi appealed to the Nigerian government to ban the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, enforce existing regulations, and fund nationwide awareness campaigns.
“The government must lead the charge through stronger policy and enforcement mechanisms,” he said.
He underscored the importance of global collaboration, adding that “No country can fight AMR alone. International cooperation and harmonized policies are essential to address this growing threat.”
Held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the lecture drew academics, medical professionals, and students to the University of Ilorin, all of whom echoed the urgent call for reforms and responsible antibiotic use across all sectors of society.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
