The Federal Government (FG) has launched a nationwide programme to train 120 young researchers under the SINCCAR programme aimed at closing critical gaps in cancer research and advanced evidence-based solutions in Nigeria.
The Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation (SINCCAR) project is designed to enhance the capacity of researchers and improve cancer outcomes through policy reforms, sustainable institutional resources, and collaborative networks.
At the opening ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), emphasised that the project was focused on empowering the next generation of cancer researchers.
Aliyu highlighted Nigeria’s shortage of oncology researchers and the country’s minimal contribution to global clinical trials, which are essential for developing new cancer therapies.
He said “The interventions range from prevention and the design of effective screening tools to identifying young Nigerians with early-stage cancer. Research is also critical in developing diagnostic tools and novel therapies tailored to the country’s most common cancers.”
The initiative will focus heavily on genomic studies, which are crucial for creating targeted treatments and precision medicine tailored to the types of cancer prevalent in Nigeria.
He explained that genomics would play an important role in improving both prevention and treatment strategies for Nigerian patients.
Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, Director of Research and Innovation, stressed the importance of turning research into actionable public health interventions.
“We want it to address local problems, contribute to the country’s social enterprise, and unlock the value chain within the research ecosystem,” she said.
Read Also: Prostate cancer overtakes breast cancer as UK’s most diagnosed—Experts demand urgent Screening
Lasebikan revealed that 120 participants, selected from over 500 applicants, would receive immersive training in essential research methodologies and priority areas such as genomics, health outcomes research, and implementation science.
The participants come from a diverse range of fields, including basic science research, medicine, laboratory science, and computational sciences, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to tackling cancer.
After the training, the participants will develop research proposals aimed at addressing national cancer-related issues.
Successful candidates will also be involved in a year-long mentorship programme to implement their research and build on the knowledge gained.
Nana Lawal, a participant who is also an oncology nurse educator at the National Hospital, Abuja, expressed her excitement, aiming to improve nursing care through preventive research and symptom management.
