By Onome Bright Oghenetega (PhD)
Society Representative
Adeleke University
Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
Onome Bright Oghenetega, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Physiology at Adeleke University, Nigeria. He has contributed to global health research published in leading journals, including The Lancet, Nature Medicine, and Nature Communications. His research interests include reproductive physiology, metabolic disorders, fetal programming, and environmental health.
Dr Onome Bright Oghenetega was a 2025 Institutional Engagement Award recipient. We followed up with Onome to find out more about his event and the outcomes.
Institutional Engagement Award Report: Move for Life – Exercise Physiology and Wellbeing
As the Physiological Society Representative for Adeleke University, I am passionate about promoting physiology through research, education, and public engagement. I have been privileged to receive the Physiological Society’s Institutional Engagement Award in 2023, 2024, and 2025, supporting initiatives that enhance awareness and appreciation of physiology among students and the wider community.
With support from the 2025 Institutional Engagement Award, I organised “Move for Life: Exercise Physiology and Wellbeing,” a one-day outreach programme that engaged about 120 secondary school students, undergraduates, and community members from Ede and surrounding areas. The event highlighted the role of exercise physiology in health and wellbeing through interactive presentations and practical demonstrations.
Participants explored key physiological concepts, including cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise, energy metabolism, and the health benefits of physical activity. Hands-on activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and peak expiratory flow measurements helped participants connect physiological theory with everyday health practices.
Outcomes and Impact
The event successfully increased participants’ understanding of exercise physiology and its relevance to everyday health. Feedback indicated that many participants gained a deeper appreciation of how physical activity influences body function and contributes to disease prevention.
A key outcome was increased awareness of physiology as an academic discipline and career pathway. Many secondary school students expressed interest in pursuing studies in physiology, medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields. Undergraduate participants also reported a greater understanding of the practical applications of physiology beyond the classroom.
The programme strengthened engagement between the university and the local community by providing evidence-based health information and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, undergraduate physiology students who volunteered during the event developed valuable leadership, teamwork, and science communication skills.
Future Plans
The success of the programme has encouraged us to continue and expand this initiative. We intend to make the outreach programme an annual event and broaden participation to include more schools and community groups. We also plan to establish sustained partnerships with secondary schools through regular physiology awareness sessions, career talks, and health promotion activities.
By building on the momentum created through this award, we hope to inspire more young people to pursue careers in biomedical sciences while promoting greater public understanding of physiology.
How the Institutional Engagement Award Supported this Work
The Institutional Engagement Award was instrumental in the successful delivery of the programme. The funding enabled the purchase of consumables required for practical demonstrations, the production of educational materials, and the organisation of interactive learning activities.
Equally important was the recognition associated with receiving support from the Physiological Society. The award enhanced the credibility of the programme, increased participant interest, and reinforced the importance of physiology outreach within our institution and community.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Applicants
One of the most important lessons from this project was the effectiveness of experiential learning. Participants were most engaged during hands-on demonstrations, which made physiological concepts more accessible and memorable.
The project also highlighted the value of collaboration among academic staff, student volunteers, schools, and community stakeholders. Strong partnerships were essential to the programme’s success.
For future applicants, I recommend designing activities that are interactive, audience-focused, and linked to real-world applications of physiology. Establishing clear objectives, collecting participant feedback, and considering how the project can create long-term impact will help maximise the value of the award.
The Institutional Engagement Award provided an excellent platform to promote physiology, engage the public, and inspire future scientists. We are grateful to the Physiological Society for supporting this initiative and helping us strengthen physiology outreach in Nigeria.
Want to apply for an Institutional Engagement Award?