The Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University, Damaturu, has collected 1,100 blood and biopsy samples in its ongoing Dementia Research Project — the first large-scale dementia cohort study in Northern Nigeria.
The university’s Information Officer, Abdulmunini Gulani, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, describing the project as a milestone that would feed into Africa’s first open-access Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) biobank.
Led by Prof. Mahmoud Maina, Founder and Director of BioRTC and Special Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni on Science, Research and Innovation, the study aims to deepen understanding of dementia, a condition the World Health Organisation ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major source of disability among the elderly.
Beyond dementia, the samples will also be screened for diabetes, malaria, kidney diseases and other health challenges. Gulani said this integrated approach was designed to tackle multiple health burdens facing people in Yobe and across the region.
“This milestone is not just about dementia — it’s about placing Yobe on the global map of biomedical research,” Prof. Maina was quoted as saying. “By combining community engagement, world-class scientists and partnerships across Nigeria, the UK, U.S., The Netherlands and other African countries, we are building the foundation for discoveries that will save lives.”
He commended Governor Buni for supporting the project, particularly by approving the use of primary health centres in Damaturu as research hubs, while also acknowledging the contributions of Dr Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary of the Yobe Primary Health Care Board, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, and local communities for their trust and participation.
