FG Launches Training for 120 Researchers to Bolster Cancer Research in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – April 10, 2025 – The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step toward combating the rising cancer burden in the country by launching a training program for 120 young researchers aimed at strengthening cancer research and innovation. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja, is part of the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation (SINCCAR) project, spearheaded by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
The program, which kicked off with an opening ceremony, is designed to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s cancer research ecosystem by building a robust workforce capable of driving evidence-based solutions. NICRAT Director-General Prof. Usman Aliyu emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting Nigeria’s shortage of oncology researchers and the continent’s minimal contribution—less than 1%—to global clinical trials essential for developing new cancer therapies. “This project is about empowering young researchers and preparing Nigeria for the development of new cancer interventions,” Aliyu said, highlighting the focus on genomics, health outcomes research, and implementation science.
The 120 participants were carefully selected from over 500 applicants nationwide, with 20 researchers representing each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The diverse cohort includes basic science researchers, medical doctors, laboratory scientists, and computational science experts, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to tackling cancer. Nwamaka Lasebikan, NICRAT’s Director of Research and Innovation, described the training as a “new era of evidence-based decision-making,” aimed at translating research into actionable public health strategies rather than merely academic exercises. “We want research that addresses local problems and unlocks the value chain within our ecosystem,” she added.
The immersive training will equip participants with advanced skills in qualitative and quantitative research, data management, and analysis, while guiding them through priority areas like precision medicine and preventive care. Following the program, trainees will develop concept notes and research questions tailored to national cancer challenges, with successful candidates advancing to a year-long mentorship to implement their projects. Nana Lawal, an oncology nurse educator at National Hospital, Abuja, and one of the participants, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. “Our goal is to improve nursing care for cancer patients through preventive research and symptom management,” she said.
The SINCCAR project aligns with broader governmental efforts to enhance cancer outcomes, including policy reforms and collaborative networks with local and international partners. It comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s cancer crisis, with the country recording an estimated 127,763 new cases and 79,813 deaths in 2022, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. The training initiative is seen as a foundational move to build sustainable institutional capacity, with Aliyu underscoring its potential to “create therapies specific to the cancers most prevalent in Nigeria.”
As the program unfolds, stakeholders hope it will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against cancer, fostering a new generation of researchers equipped to confront one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges. With the training now underway, the Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to reducing the cancer burden and improving the lives of millions through science and innovation.
