University of Portharcourt Nigeria

The young minds in Neuroscience and brain health. The exercise was loaded with many activities which included a hands-on workshop on brain perfusion fixation conducted by Dr Orish Chinna and Dr Ebere Wogu, career lectures in neuroscience, a brain exhibition with lectures on different parts of the brain, and a brain bee competition among seven secondary school students in Rivers State with award celebrations, a brain awareness campaign to a neighbouring University as well as the inauguration of Neuroscience group in Rivers State University.

The Brain Bee activity of BAW was anchored by the Youth Neuroscience Association Nigeria Uniport chapter members who took time to coach the students before the final competition. About 679 students participated from seven secondary schools, and 28 students were selected for the final Brain Bee Competition. The final Brain Bee Competition took place at Rivers State University. Certificates of participation were given to all participants and Awards (cash and certificates) were also given to the best three candidates: first, second and third positions.

Prof Amadi Ihunwo from South Africa the founder of Brain Wellness Initiative was the Guest Speaker, and he gave a talk on ‘Careers in Neuroscience’ as well as a briefing on Brain Wellness Initiative. Dr Orish Chinna delivered a lecture on drug abuse.

Taken together, the whole exercise was quite phenomenal and glamorous. The attendance was very strong with lots of enthusiasm among the youth to pursue careers in Neuroscience including the high school students. Collaboration and partnership were established at Rivers State University with the enthusiasm of celebrating Brain Awareness Week next year.

Folks are yearning for more of this and neighbouring University: Rivers State University has picked interest in celebrating Brain Awareness Week in the University by next year