ABU Academic Lecture: Expert Urges Caution on Painkiller Combinations, Emphasizes Safe Self-Medication Limits

 By Abigael Dada and Emaikwu Dorcas

Professor Abdulkadir Umar Zezi delivering the inaugural lecture 

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Dean of Administration, Professor Bello Sabo, has called for more academic lectures. He encouraged the university to host the lecture series twice a month. Professor Sabo made the announcement on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the opening remarks of the university’s inaugural lecture series No. 01/26 at the main campus. He emphasized that regularly holding such academic events demonstrates high scholarly and professional standards within the university.

The event was anchored by Professor Ibrahim Jimoh from the Department of Mass Communication and featured the inaugural lecture titled “Over-the-Counter Pain Killers: Relief or Burden?” presented by Professor Abdulkadir Umar Zezi, a Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

For most people, relief from a headache or body ache is often just a few naira away at the nearest medicine store. However, this easy fix hides a growing public health crisis that can turn simple relief into a long-term medical issue. During his lecture, Professor Zezi raised concerns about a dangerous practice in which patients often take at least five different unprescribed painkiller tablets — including paracetamol, aspirin, caffeine, or ibuprofen — multiple times a day. 

Scenes from the inaugural hall

This common misuse overwhelms the kidneys with a heavy chemical load. While these drugs block the body’s pain signals for temporary relief, excessive use can cause serious harm, leading to acute renal failure, sodium retention, and analgesic nephropathy. In severe cases, it results in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), whose treatment costs billions worldwide and thousands of dollars annually for dialysis in Nigeria.

Speaking to the ABU Campus Press after the lecture, Professor Zezi clarified a common grey area between responsible use and misuse, especially regarding menstrual pain relievers. Many female students worry that taking these pills regularly might be seen as drug abuse. Professor Zezi reassured them, explaining that since menstrual pain is a recurring problem that requires treatment, taking medication on that schedule is normal and not misuse. However, he emphasized that antibiotics should always be taken only with a doctor’s prescription.

Prof. Zezi with ACP correspondent 

The lecture drew strong reactions from attendees across the university. Dr. Fatai Adetunji Jimoh, a lecturer in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, shared his takeaway with ABU Campus Press: “Painkillers should be used based on a doctor’s prescription and wisely.”

Mr. Paniel Olale, a PhD student in the Department of Human Kinetics Education, also shared his thoughts with ABU Campus Press, warning that patients should always consult certified medical professionals instead of risking dangerous overdoses.

Amina Abdulkadir Umar, a 300-level Pharmacy student and daughter of the inaugural lecturer, also offered her view. She explained that using drugs correctly can relieve pain, while misuse can quickly create a significant burden. Beyond her academic insights, she affectionately described her father as an amazing, friendly, and understanding person.

OTC, family and dignitaries

As Professor Mohammed Magaji, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, officially closed the well-attended academic event, the audience left with a clear understanding of responsible self-medication.

ABU community members must avoid the risky habit of mixing multiple unprescribed painkillers, take analgesics only when needed, and recognize that prolonged use without professional medical advice can lead to severe organ damage.