Youngman breaking new ground in ethno medical treatment

Best graduating student of Unizik Kisisochukwu Umean

Ike Sunday Osondu is a young man , a graduate of micro biology whose quest to break a new ground pushed him to study Igbo at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State.
After graduating from Geoffery Okoye University Enugu state with second class upper,he decided to do his postgraduate and Master in Igbo specializing in herbal medicine at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State.

He went for Igbo African Accient studies and chose the research on the topic ” Towards The Healing of Prostrate Cancer Among the Igbo and Ethno Medical Approach”
He moved from known to unknown with intention to assist in the treatment of sickness using herbs and roots.
According to him, when he gained admission to further his dream course at Unizik, his supervisor, Prof Anedo, Alfred Alex Onukwube advised him to go into the area, since he studied microbiology at his first degree. He also stated that his flair for Igbo study was an important move that drives him into the study.
He said that he had written many books on Igbo and culture .

“My supervisor said to me that ethno medical area, the traditional way of healing sickness was new ground I should venture into.
“With your microbiology ground ,it will help me to research on most of the herbs and roots for medical treatment of sickness in Nigeria” he advised me.
He stated that because the area was unknown in the Igbo department, he faced serious challenges of finishing his Master degree within the limited time.
“In a course that was supposed to last for two years, I spent seven years. Because of my determination and my supervisor
Anedo, Alfred Alex Onukwube,a professor an Anthropologist specializing in Sino/Afro Cultures
stood his ground saying that I must continue.
Some other lecturers in the department wanted to frustrate the study,but could not due lasted for a long period. They decided to frustrate me but God on my side I was able to overcome. I had to write to the school management,before they could allow me to defend my thesis at the faulty level. I had earlier defended my thesis at the department but at the faulty, they now thought I will scale through and decided to ask me to change topic and supervisor said no. The school management was mad at their attempt to frustrate the study, the school management encouraged me to further the study, describing the topic as a good one.
The school authority said the towards ethno medical Healing of Prostrate Cancer was a sound research and asked me to go ahead and defend and I successfully defended it” he said .
According to him,those lecturers,who were against the research later expressed regret and now I have bought form to continue with my PhD in the study.
He said at his PhD, he would like to expand the scope not limiting to prostate cancer healing to other ailments.
He also disclosed that during his research , he was able meet many traditional healers and learnt alot noting that it is possible to do great work in the virgin field.
He said the delay in finishing his Master really affected him both economically and emotional.
” I nearly drop the studies because it was getting hard on me but my supervisor continue to encourage me and also my determination to make difference led me to the success I recorded today.iam grateful to my supervisor for his encouragement and support. Today God has prove me right,that the topic is good and researchable” he said.

Speaking to our correspodent,Prof Anedo said that the youngman area of research was of great important to the nation’s health sector .
According to him, with the youngman backgroud in microbiology, it will be of great area of interest to Nigerians.
“Iam seeing a potential in the youngman making a break through in the field and he may likely be the first professor in the field. I will give him every support to well in his research work ” he said .