By Wonderful Adegoke
Habibullah Ibuowo, a 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student, had a startling discovery during her clinical training. “I found several culture plates where none of the six antibiotics placed on them had any effect on the bacteria,” she said.
Her revelation came during a 10-week mandatory laboratory posting for Medical Laboratory Science students, where she encountered antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for the first time.Â
This experience sparked her interest in sensitivity testing, a process that involves culturing bacteria alongside antibiotics to determine which drugs can effectively treat infections.
“It was fascinating to see how bacteria could develop resistance to multiple antibiotics,” she said. This curiosity led her to learn more about AMR and eventually join the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Young Antimicrobial Resistance Stewards (UDUYARS).
Raising Awareness through UDUYARS
UDUYARS is a student-led initiative dedicated to combating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The group brings together students from different disciplines to develop strategies that address AMR and related health issues at the local level. By supporting the global action plan on AMR, UDUYARS contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Collaborating with medical and non-medical innovators, UDUYARS is at the forefront of providing solutions to the AMR crisis. They are also addressing recent concerns raised by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ), which reported “disturbing first-hand evidence of what happens when drugs stop working.”
“I was more than happy to join UDUYARS to help spread the word about AMR,” Ibuowo said, emphasizing the importance of education and advocacy in curbing the misuse of antibiotics.
Advocating Responsible Use of Antibiotics
As UDUYARS’ outreach coordinator, Ibuowo regularly participates in community programs and hospital visits, including trips to pediatric wards at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), to raise awareness about antimicrobial stewardship.
“I make it a point to talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the responsible use of antibiotics and the dangers of overuse,” she said.
Other Voices in the Fight Against AMR
The impact of UDUYARS extends beyond the medical laboratory. Adeleke Shakirat Adenike, a Nursing Science student, said joining the club has transformed her perspective on AMR. “Before joining UDUYARS, I had only basic knowledge of AMR and didn’t realize how significant it is as a global threat,” she said.
Through her participation in discussions, outreach events, and presentations, Adeleke has gained confidence in public speaking, allowing her to communicate the importance of AMR awareness more effectively.Â
“UDUYARS has instilled in me a strong spirit of volunteerism and helped improve my public speaking skills,” she added.
Safiyyah Ismaeel, a student from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, also shared the urgency of spreading awareness. “AMR is a global issue that makes infections increasingly difficult to treat. We must educate more young people on this issue,” she said.
Ismaeel stressed the importance of engaging students from all departments in the fight against AMR, adding that collaboration is key to curbing the growing threat.
