The Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Lagos has held its maiden Annual Scientific Conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers and health experts to address emerging global health and environmental challenges.

The conference, themed "One Health: Preparing the Next Generation for a Changing World," was held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium and focused on promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in health, biodiversity and sustainability research.

The Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof Ganiyu Oyetibo, described the event as a landmark in the faculty's development, noting that it was established in 2024 following the restructuring of the former Faculty of Science and officially commenced academic activities on 1 August 2025. He stated, "Our mission is to provide transformative education, foster groundbreaking research and responsibly apply biological knowledge to address global challenges in health, biodiversity and sustainability."

UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said rapid urbanisation and technological advancement were transforming the global health landscape, making integrated approaches to disease prevention imperative. She observed, "From emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to climate change and food insecurity, the defining health challenges of our time require integrated thinking and collective action. A One Health approach is no longer optional."

Ogunsola expressed confidence that the conference would stimulate new partnerships among scientists, clinicians, policymakers and industry leaders, generating research with meaningful societal impact.

Delivering the keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, stressed the need for an integrated biosecurity system combining human, animal and environmental health to protect society from evolving threats. He warned that demographic shifts, expanding trade routes, climate change and emerging pathogens were reshaping global health risks.

Abayomi cautioned that Lagos, as one of Africa's fastest growing megacities, faces mounting health threats arising from the interaction between humans, animals and the environment. He declared, "Every serious health threat facing Lagos in the coming years will emerge at the interface between people, animals and the environment, particularly as global mobility continues to increase."

He added that the Lagos State Government was embedding the One Health framework into governance through collaboration among agencies responsible for health, agriculture, environmental protection, sanitation and urban planning.