Inaugural Professorial Lecture by Professor Felix Akinladejo, Professor of Computer Information Systems
Research on Computer Technology Aided Rehabilitation Therapy Provides Hope for Stroke Patients
Professor Felix Akinladejo, Professor of Computer Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, University of Technology, Jamaica delivering his inaugural Professorial Lecture titled, “Computer Model and Virtual Reality Technology for Post Stroke Rehabilitation: A Techno-Therapy Intervention Technique,” on April 11, 2019 at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
The lecture was witnessed by an overflowing audience of educators, members of government, members of the diplomatic corps and the judiciary, members of the Nigerian community in Jamaica, students, members of faculty and staff and members of his family, friends and well-wishers.
In an easy to follow lecture with many pockets of humor about his life and journey from Nigeria, Professor Akinladejo shared his research on the use of the Techno-Therapy Intervention technique to aid in the rehabilitation therapy of post-acute stroke patients to improve movement and/or functional ability. The research follows from his Ph.D dissertation in 2006 which focused on computer-supported rehabilitation management of post-acute stroke patients.
The Techno-Therapy Rehabilitation System consists of the Computer Model used to measure the gait variables and the Virtual Reality Technology used to provide the exercise that stroke patients perform for physical therapy.
Professor Akinladejo pointed to World Health Organisation (WHO) data, which showed that stroke deaths in Jamaica reached 2,474 or 14.44% of total deaths in 2017. Noting that, the challenge, especially in developing countries like Jamaica, is the inability to provide and sustain physical rehabilitation therapy, he said that his research will augment present treatment options and knowledge for professionals concerned with rehabilitation management, and practitioners of physical therapy, bioengineering and all concerned with human movement.
He shared examples of his work done with post-stroke patients to manage plantar flexion (PF) and dorsiflexion (DF) movements of the ankle and foot in order to approve their range of motion. Professor Akinladejo is also leading UTech, Jamaica’s collaborative research with the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) to investigate rehabilitation after CVDs and stroke. The partnership has led to a programme that is currently providing third-year Engineering students with training in the basic elements of robotics with a focus on rehabilitative robotics in the Jamaican context.
(l-r) Dr. The Honourable Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health, Professor Felix Akinladejo, Professor of Computing and Information Systems and Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, UTech, Jamaica in conversation at the inaugural Professorial Lecture.
Dr. The Honourable Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health who brought greetings, highlighted the importance of Professor Akinladejo’s research in the context of the increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension affecting large segments of the population and which may lead to stroke and the subsequent need for physical rehabilitation. The Health Minister therefore urged more focus on the type of applied research being done by Professor Akinladejo to find solutions to Jamaica’s health challenges. “We can’t confront these challenges by confining our efforts to the practitioners directly involved in public health,” the Minister said, adding that “the new approach to dealing with public health has to be a lot more holistic and collaborative.”
Professor Stephen Vasciannie,CD, President, congratulated Prof. Akinladejo on his appointment to the rank of professor at the University, noting that over his 25 years of service to the institution, he has been promoted through the various academic ranks. The President noted that “his promotion is testament to his body of extensive research work and his distinguished teaching career in computer science and engineering, which began in his native Nigeria.”
Professor Nilza Aples, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing
Professor Nilza Aples, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing in her congratulations to Prof. Akinladejo, said “I am very proud to know you and even more proud of your accomplishment that has led you to this wonderful and exciting academic promotion,” adding that “it has been moving for us to witness your hard work and your dedication and commitment in the formalization of your Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and Doctoral degrees which has provided UTech, Jamaica with its first Doctor Philosophy graduate in the area of Computer Science.”
Professor Aples pointed out that although doctoral research work is expected to provide innovative ideas and solutions to problems, not all have the impact of improving human life or augmenting recovery in post-acute stroke patients as shown from the research work spearheaded by Prof. Akinladejo.
The Dean noted that the Faculty of Engineering and Computing will continue to “position itself as a source of ‘know how’ in the areas of engineering and computer science, and as a technological provider of solutions that offer national and international impact.”
The lecture was skillfully chaired by Mr Patrick Harley, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies. Professor Akinladejo was introduced by his friend and colleague Dr. Alison Nicholson, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Microbiology, UWI, Mona. The Vote of Thanks was moved by his wife, Mrs. Olubusola Akinladejo, Head, School of Business Administration, College of Business and Management, UTech, Jamaica.
Mr Patrick Harley, Master of Ceremonies.
The programme was enhanced with the performance of the Nigerian song “Sasikude” by members of the UTech, Jamaica Choir.
Professor Felix Akinladejo poses with members of the Nigerian community in Jamaica. At centre is Her Excellency Janet Olisa, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica.
Family: Professor Felix Akinladejo and his family, (from left), daughter, Oreoluwa, his wife, Mrs. Olubusola Akinladejo and daughter, Ebunoluwa.
End.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm