WEST AFRICAN SOCIETY OF TOXICOLOGY CONFERENCE 2025: BRIDGING SCIENCE AND POLICY FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

The 12th International Conference of the West African Society of Toxicology (WASOT) kicked off on Wednesday, 19th February, 2025, at Okada, Nigeria, with a resounding call to action for scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate towards addressing the pressing toxicological challenges facing West Africa.

Professor Kingsley C. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu, President of WASOT, welcomed participants from across the region and beyond, emphasising the significance of the conference theme: “Toxicology and Public Health: Bridging Science and Policy for Healthier Communities.” He highlighted WASOT’s growth since its inception in 2011, from a few members to a large network of enthusiastic toxicologists across West Africa.

The conference, hosted by Igbinedion University, Okada, featured keynote speakers, including Professor Godwin Oju Igile and Professor Daniel Ikudaisi Olunrunfemi, who delivered lectures on environmental remediation and molecular and environmental genotoxicology, respectively.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, emphasised the critical role of scientific research in toxicology, stressing that knowledge must translate into tangible health benefits for communities.

Prof. (Mrs.) Georgina O. Erifeta, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, challenged participants to identify concrete actions to take as a result of the conference, emphasising the need for community-based research to solve community-based problems.

The conference included the conferment of fellowships on some members and a dinner, marking a significant milestone in the quest for healthier communities in West Africa.