The Centre for Cultural Studies at the Federal University of Lafia has organised its second webinar series to revive dialogue between traditional healing practices and modern medicine.
Speaking at the event held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Wednesday, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, said the meeting, tagged “Revisiting Our Past: Bridging Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Medicine for a Healthier Future”, was aimed at “Recognising the value of indigenous knowledge in promoting healthcare.”
Kwaghe emphasised the need to build bridges between traditional and modern medicine, rather than choosing one over the other.
“The goal is to imagine a healthcare future that is inclusive, sustainable, culturally grounded, and scientifically sound, she added
She noted that the university is committed to engaging with the community and partnering with traditional healers to promote a healthier society, adding that the Centre aims to bring out the best in the community as part of its social responsibility.
Experts at the meeting called for greater collaboration and integration of traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system for a healthier population.
Presenting a paper titled “Revisiting Bioactive Plants in Traditional Healing: A Microbiological Appraisal”, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the university, Prof. Aleruchi Chuku, called for sustained collaboration among relevant stakeholders to scientifically validate traditional medicine.
“There is a need to come together to scientifically prove what traditionalists have been doing and document it, so that drugs can be measured in dosage for both children and adults,” she said.
Chuku advocated for the establishment of a national herbal database, a standardisation framework for dosage and preparation, and the promotion of safe usage, proper dosing, and hygiene in traditional herbal practices.
She further urged governments at all levels to invest in clinical trials of key medicinal plants in order to improve citizens’ health.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medicine at FULafia, Prof. Ali Shugaba, noted that traditional therapies can complement modern healthcare but require careful integration and oversight. “We can use traditional therapies for preventive care, mental health, and some chronic diseases”, he said.
He therefore urged the government to work towards integrating traditional medicine into the national healthcare system.