As YOBE STATE UNIVERSITY BEGINS DEMENTIA RESEARCH, COLLECTS 1,100 BLOOD, BIOSPY SAMPLES.
BioRTC Hits Landmark 1,100 Biopsy and Blood Samples — Pioneering Dementia Research with Global and Local Impact
The Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University has achieved a historic milestone — collecting over 1,100 biopsy and blood samples for its ongoing Dementia Research Project.
Led by its Founder and Director, Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina, who also serves as the Honourary Special Adviser on Science, Research and Innovation to His Excellency, this initiative is the first large-scale dementia cohort study of its kind in Northern Nigeria, designed to feed into Africa’s first open-access iPSC biobank.
While dementia is the primary focus, Prof. Maina emphasised that the project is far more than a single-disease study. Every participant is also screened for other pressing health challenges — diabetes, hypertension, infectious diseases — ensuring that the data collected will directly benefit other BioRTC-led initiatives, including statewide kidney disease and malaria research. This integrated approach means that the findings will address multiple health burdens affecting the people of Yobe and the wider region.
“This milestone is not just about dementia — it’s about placing Yobe on the global map of biomedical research. By combining community engagement, world-class science, and partnerships across Nigeria, the UK, USA, The Netherlands, and other African countries, we are building the foundation for discoveries that will benefit our people and contribute to global health.” Prof. Maina stated.
The Director expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of Yobe State for its unwavering support, particularly Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni , whose commitment to health and research has made it possible to use Primary Health Care centres in Damaturu as research hubs. He also commended Dr. Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board, for his crucial role in enabling smooth operations in the field.
Prof. Maina further thanked the Emir of Damaturu, Alh. (Dr) Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, for his steadfast support, as well as the communities of Yobe whose trust and participation form the heart of this research.
“This work is showing the world that cutting-edge science can be done from here, in Yobe, with our communities at the centre. The knowledge we generate will help detect diseases earlier, improve treatments, and ultimately save lives,” Prof. Maina concluded.