Voices Magazine Vol3-Issue 1

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | April - June 2019 10 P rofessor Felix Akinladejo, recently appointed Professor of Computer Information Systems in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, University of Technology, Jamaica delivered his inaugural Professorial lecture titled, “Computer Model and Virtual Reality Technology for Post Stroke Rehabilitation: A Techno-Therapy Intervention Technique,” on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the 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. 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. 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.” Also congratulating Prof.Akinladejo at his professorial lecture were Professor Nilza Aples, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Dr. Alison Nicholson, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Microbiology, UWI, Mona who introduced him and his wife, Mrs. Olubusola Akinladejo, Head, School of Business Administration, College of Business and Management, UTech, Jamaica who moved the vote of thanks. Inaugural Professorial Lecture by Professor Felix Akinladejo Research on Computer Technology Aided Rehabilitation Therapy Provides Hope for Stroke Patients (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. 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.