FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
Dean: Professor Patrick Ekong Ebong
Academic Staff: 36
Administrative/Professional/Junior Staff: 36
Professor Patrick Ekong Ebong was born in Ibesit, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He received his early education in Regina Coeli College, Essene, Ikot Abasi. After completing his Higher Diploma studies in Biochemistry /Chemistry at the Yaba College of Technology he proceeded to United Kingdom where he obtained M.Sc. in Biochemistry in University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Scotland and Ph. D in Reproductive Endocrinology in University of Southampton, England in 1981.
Dr. Ebong joined the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Calabar in June 1981. He was elected Deputy Provost, School of Basic Medical Sciences in 1998 and appointed Acting Head of Department of Biochemistry the same year. He was promoted to the position of Professor of Biochemistry in 1999, appointed Head of Department in 2006 and elected Dean of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in 2008.
Professor Ebong is a widely traveled academician with a vast network of research linkage. He was appointed Co-ordinator for West Africa – Sub region on ‘Neem Sustainability and Utilization’ at the 2006 International Neem Conference Kunming, China. He has authored over sixty (60) papers on Medicinal plants, Clinical Biochemistry, Endocrinology and Toxicology. His current research thrust in Sustainable Utilization of Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in the management of Diabetes, Hypertension, Malaria and HIV/AIDs has attracted research grants from donor agencies. He is the Founder and Co-ordinator of the Endocrine Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Nigeria,
He is a member of many International and National Associations and organizations including Member, Society of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Biochemical society of Great Britain, Fellow, Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FNSBMB), etc.
Professor Ebong has served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic Calabar (now Cross River University of Technology, Crutech) 1991; Member of the Governing Council of University of Calabar Representing Senate, 2005 – 2007; Founding Member of the Governing Council of Veritas University of Nigeria, Abuja, 2007 – date. He is the external examiner/assessor to many Nigerian Universities.
Professor Ebong is a passionate researcher that has mentored many budding scholars who are plying the trade successfully internationally and nationally today.
Research Interest/Focus:
Researches in the Faculty are largely geared toward the promotion of creative thinking,
innovativeness, practical performance, national ideals, aspirations and survival.
List of Departments Under Faculty/Institute/College and names of HODs
| S/N |
Name of Department |
Name of Head of Department |
| 1 |
Anatomy Department |
Dr. A. O. Akpantah |
| 2 |
Biochemistry Department |
Dr. M. U. Eteng |
| 3 |
Pharmacology Department |
Dr. B. A. S. Lawal |
| 4 |
Physiology Department |
Dr. C. O. Nku |
Research Interest/Focus:
| S/N |
Name of Department |
Name of Head of Department |
Research Interest/Focus |
| 1 |
Anatomy Department |
Dr. A. O. Akpantah |
Research focus is on the area of Neuroanatomy and Neuroendocrinology. Right now we are trying to see the effect of some herbs used in the treatment of epilepsy, mental disorder and infertility and their neuroendocrine involvement. The hormonal basis of these effects are considered and possible explanations given. |
| 2 |
Biochemistry Department |
Dr. Mbeh Ubana Eteng |
Research Area of Specialization:
Clinical & Natural product Biochemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry / Toxicology.
Current Research Focus:
1. Herbal therapies for treatment and management of typhoid infection, malaria, snake bites and diabetes in Africa – Their identification/Establishment of Phytochemistry/Pharmacognosy, their prophylactic and therapeutic benefits compared with synthetic pharmaceuticals.
2. Reproductive toxicity effects of heavy metals (e.g. cadmium anti-malarial & antibiotics, pesticides and xenobiotics their remediation (amelioration with vitamins and natural antioxidant).
3. Nutritional Biochemistry & Toxicology assessment of locally made wines, compounded diets for management of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM).
4. Nutritional intervention for people living with AIDS/HIV. The general thrust of research in Biochemistry covers clinical, Natural product, Nutritional and Toxicological areas of Biochemistry geared towards advancing National developmental goals in medicine, Food and agriculture.
|
| 3 |
Pharmacology Department |
Dr. B. A. S. Lawal |
1. Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal Plants: The department has capacity and competence in the research on natural sources of drug
substances. Facilities for extraction, evaluation and separation of crude extract sources, though not adequate are however in existence as well as active research on some plant sources by academic staff.
2. Antimalaria Research: The department is currently indulged in the establishment of an antimalaria facility to accommodate research being funded by the World bank/STEP Project.
3. Hepatoprotective effect of some medicinal Plants: There is an on-going research effort to develop a hepatoprotective agent from plant sources. This is intended as an adjunct therapy for conditions where prolonged drugs use (tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertention, etc often predisposes patients to hepatic compromise.
|
| 4 |
Physiology Department |
Dr. C. O. Nku |
1. Blood/CVS
2. Blood cells/Erythropoetic, electrolyes, Baroreflex sensitivity, Blood pressure experiments.
3. Neurobehavioral studies.
4. Cardiopulmonary
5. Lung function (ECG)
6. Acid/Mucus Secretion/gastricmolidity, Gut fluid and Glucose uptake
7. Renal function studies
8. Ion channels and cell signally in health and disease.
|
List of Administrative/Professional/Junior Staff and their Designation in Dean’s Office, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences