The skin is often admired for what it reveals on the outside. Yet beneath its surface lies a complex network of cells, signals, and immune responses that quietly protect the body every moment of every day.
It is this remarkable intersection between appearance and biology that formed the centrepiece of the 465th Inaugural Lecture of the UNILAG(ºìÌÒÊÓƵ), and the 19th in the 2025/2026 Academic Session, delivered by Professor Olusola Olabisi Ayanlowo of the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine.
Speaking on “The Skin: Your Passport, Beauty and Defence: Telling the Story of Immune Regulation, Immune Suppression, Dysregulation and Autoimmunity,” Professor Ayanlowo invited the audience to reconsider the skin not merely as the body’s outer covering, but as a dynamic organ whose health reflects the wellbeing of the entire body.
She explained that dermatology extends far beyond the treatment of skin conditions. As the largest organ of the human body and the first point of contact with the external environment, the skin often provides early clues to internal diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, metabolic conditions, and certain cancers. Understanding its language, she noted, can therefore transform diagnosis and patient care.
Drawing on decades of clinical practice and research, Professor Ayanlowo explored how the immune system shapes many of the skin diseases seen in Nigeria and across Africa. Her work demonstrates that conditions such as fungal infections, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and contact dermatitis are influenced by a complex interaction of immune responses, genetics, environmental exposure, occupation, and everyday practices.
Her research documented how the inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids and cosmetic skin-lightening products can alter the skin’s natural defences, mask fungal infections, and allow disease to persist.
She also highlighted studies that clarified the epidemiology of histoplasmosis in Africa, drawing attention to a fungal disease frequently mistaken for tuberculosis and that remains under-recognised despite its public health significance.
Professor Ayanlowo further presented findings that have strengthened understanding of occupational skin diseases among healthcare workers, cassava processors, and other high-risk groups. The studies demonstrate how workplace exposures contribute to chronic dermatitis and provide evidence to support improved occupational health practices, mechanisation of labour-intensive processes, and greater use of protective equipment.
Her work also examined inflammatory skin diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Through collaborative research, she demonstrated the value of affordable, locally available moisturisers in improving skin barrier function among patients with atopic dermatitis. She is also advancing genetic and epigenetic studies that seek to explain the varied presentation of autoimmune diseases among Nigerians.
A significant aspect of her research has been improving understanding of psoriasis in African populations. By documenting the clinical characteristics of the disease in people with dark skin, establishing the Nigerian Psoriasis Research Group, and founding the Nigerian Psoriasis Registry, Professor Ayanlowo and her collaborators have created important platforms for clinical, epidemiological, and genetic research that continue to strengthen knowledge of the disease in the country.
Beyond research, the lecture reflected a career devoted to education and capacity building. Professor Ayanlowo highlighted her contributions to medical education through curriculum development, postgraduate training, and mentorship, including the introduction of Basic Clinical Skills teaching under the SPICCES curriculum at the College of Medicine, ºìÌÒÊÓƵ. She also outlined efforts to train community health workers, pharmacists, and frontline healthcare providers, while expanding public awareness of skin health through outreach programmes and the media.
Looking ahead, she advocated stronger dermatology services within primary healthcare, increased training for frontline health professionals, expanded public education on healthy skin practices, stricter regulation of products that compromise skin immunity, greater investment in dermatology research, and broader access to treatment through national health insurance schemes.
Collectively, her work demonstrates how locally generated evidence can reshape clinical practice, strengthen public health responses, and improve the lives of patients. It also reflects the growing contribution of African researchers to global understanding of immune-mediated skin diseases.
About Professor Olusola Olabisi Ayanlowo
Professor Olusola Olabisi Ayanlowo is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, ºìÌÒÊÓƵ. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ, earned the Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians in Dermatology, completed a Master of Science (MSc.) in Clinical Dermatology at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, and received the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
She serves as Head of the Dermatology and Genitourinary Medicine Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the College of Medicine, UNILAG(CMUL), and is Director of the Medical Education Unit of the College of Medicine. Her research spans dermatology, medical mycology, autoimmune diseases, and medical education, with particular focus on psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and other immune-mediated disorders affecting African populations.
Professor Ayanlowo is married to Bishop Kayode Ayanlowo, and they are blessed with children.
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Article Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
