By Felix Khanoba
A professor of Public and Community Health Nursing at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Elkenah Ndie, has urged caution in recommending yam varieties for diabetic patients.
Prof. Ndie, who stated this while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of NOUN, on Thursday in Abuja, emphasized that the focus for diabetic patients should be on portion control rather than the type of yam consumed.
“It is common to hear people advising diabetic patients to avoid some varieties of yam while consuming others. In this study, the amylose and amylopectins were analyzed, and the results showed that although these components vary across yam varieties, there was no significant statistical difference in their content.
“The conclusion is that no type of yam should be recommended for diabetic patients. Rather, the quantity consumed should be controlled,” Ndie stated, citing research findings to support his claim.
The inaugural lecturer, whose lecture titled, ‘ Nursing Science: An Applied Science of Care for All,” urged diabetic patients to monitor their diets closely.
“On diabetes, people should obey the rules by controlling what they eat. Whatever you are eating, you should know the glycemic index and avoid drinking anyhow,” he said.
He also advocated for increased vegetable consumption for everyone while cautioning against excessive fruit intake, noting that the body requires only small amounts of fruit at a time. “You have to be very careful with fruits,” he added.
Prof. Ndie also urged government to introduce measures to protect citizens from avoidable deaths, particularly road accidents.
He suggested mandatory drug and blood sugar tests for drivers to curb reckless behaviours that may likely lead to accident.
“Accidents are claiming lives every day, almost every second. There should be a system, like in developed countries, where police stop reckless drivers, test their blood sugar and drug levels, and take action if they exceed normal limits. This is the only way to solve the problem. Without this, more lives will be lost,” he said.
On the issue of identity crisis which saw to discrimination between between holders of nursing degree and diploma certificates, Prof. Ndie commended NOUN for presenting opportunities for all.
“I wish to congratulate NOUN for integrating both systems and offering opportunities for those seeking further nursing training. Today, NOUN has produced the highest number of nursing graduates compared to its counterparts. I am proud to say that I contributed greatly to this growth and progress,” he said.
Prof. Ndie expressed satisfaction with efforts to dispel the misconception that nursing is solely a female profession and called on families to prioritize having a nurse within their ranks.
“Where there is no nurse, there is no care. A family without a nurse is a family without care,” he posited.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, praised Prof. Ndie for delivering a comprehensive lecture with significant societal relevance.
He commended the professor for his contributions to academia and the nursing profession, describing his work as exemplary.
