The federal government has intensified its fight against cancer with a critical aspect of prevention, with the training of 120 early-career scientists, focusing on genomics and precision medicine, it has emerged.
The government said the move becomes imperative considering that Nigeria currently faces a significant shortage of researchers in the field of oncology.
Moreover, with Africa accounting for less than 1% of global clinical trials despite a rising cancer burden, the government emphasized that Nigeria could no longer afford to remain complacent on the issue.
The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, while launching the five-day training program at the North Central Zone cohort in Abuja on Wednesday, stressed that the initiative was designed to strengthen institutional capacity for cancer research in Nigeria.
He said the training, which was part of the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation (SINCCAR) project, is key to translating research into impactful public health interventions.
He said the main focus of the training, which is taking place simultaneously across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, is genomics, specifically identifying genetic mutations common in cancers affecting Black populations.
He said, “This is key to developing precision medicine and targeted therapies that work for our people. Most existing treatments were designed using data from Caucasian or Asian populations and may not be as effective for us.
“By studying the unique genetic signatures of cancers in Africans, we can create more relevant, effective treatments. Understanding these patterns means we’re halfway to solving the problem. This work is about designing solutions based on our own data, for our own population”.
The DG emphasised that the initiative is a strategic necessity to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for world-class cancer research and to effectively translate research findings into impactful public health interventions.
He said, “Nigeria currently faces a significant shortage of researchers in the field of oncology. Moreover, Africa as a whole accounts for less than 1% of global clinical trials.
“Despite some estimates suggesting 1 to 2%, the actual figure remains below 1%. This is particularly concerning because clinical trials represent a critical stage in the development of targeted cancer therapies.
“As a result, the continent has been left behind in contributing to and benefiting from high-level cancer research.
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“However, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has supported NICRAT in mobilizing the necessary resources to train young oncologists, not only in research but also in cancer prevention and control”.
According to the DG, the support has consistently empowered NICRAT to implement strategies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria, including collaborations with both national and international partners.
As of December 2024, he said the Institute had trained over 1,200 healthcare workers across all tiers of healthcare delivery in the country, with plans to train even more this year.
He also highlighted NICRAT’s research partnerships with leading institutions such as the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Milken Institute, and Johns Hopkins University, focusing on cancer genomics, precision oncology, and community health for Black populations.
In 2024, he explained that NICRAT further expanded its efforts through collaborations with the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), targeting improvements in cancer data collection, quality assurance, and the role of population-based cancer registries in forming national cancer control policies.
Noting that the SINCCAR program is part of the institute’s 2025 work plan and aims to address the limited capacity for oncology research in Nigeria, the DG said the programme is structured in three phases, assessment, training, and grant provision, aiming to equip participants with skills to develop context-specific cancer solutions.
“This stage of the SINCCAR project is devoted to capacity building and training. It is deliberately designed to address the specific gaps and challenges identified across participating institutions.
“Simply put, the main objective of this project is to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge needed to enhance both individual and institutional competencies in cancer research.
“It will also interest you to know that the major emphasis of this training is on research-to-action to nurture a skilled workforce capable of leading sustainable, impactful cancer research initiatives.
“The essence of this research initiative is to empower young researchers and strategically prepare the country for the development of new cancer interventions.
“These interventions begin with prevention, including the design of effective tools for early screening and timely detection of cancer among Nigerians, particularly those in the early stages of the disease.
“As we all know, research also plays a critical role in advancing diagnostic capabilities and in developing novel therapies that are specifically tailored to Nigeria’s population and healthcare context.
“Such interventions must align with the country’s unique genetic, environmental, and infrastructural realities to effectively address the most prevalent types of cancer found in the population,” he added.
In her remarks, Amaka Lasebikan, Director of Research and Innovation, expressed her satisfaction with the growing interest and enthusiasm among young Nigerian scientists in cancer control and management.
“We have 120 participants across the six geopolitical zones, 20 per zone, chosen from over 500 applicants. It was a tough selection process,” she noted.
She said the program is a well-structured initiative designed to guide the country toward effective cancer management and control, aimed at developing globally competitive researchers.
“The training is phased, starting with an immersion program covering research basics, methodologies, and key areas like genomics, health outcomes, and implementation science.
“The first phase is two weeks: one week of in-person training and two weeks online. Participants will then submit concept notes based on what they’ve learned, and successful ones will receive funding and a year-long mentorship to implement their projects.
“This is part of a broader effort to build capacity, including a separate fully funded program for genomic research at the institutional level, running for 18 months. It’s a layered approach to building a strong cancer research ecosystem,” Lasebikan said.