By Muhammad Aminu
Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK), has established a laboratory for screening cervical cancer in women, the first of its kind in northern Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Mukhtar Kurawa, said the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA Modular Research Laboratory would greatly help in the research and treatment of cervical cancer in women, especially in North-Western Nigeria.
The laboratory, situated on the Main Campus of the University, was funded by a grant from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund). Prof. Kurawa further explained that there is a rise in cervical cancer among women in the region hence the university’s efforts to address the problem.
The VC challenged researchers to take advantage of the centre by conducting scientific research to achieve the set objectives. The VC assured continuous support for the centre, saying that “researches are now conducted not only for academic progression but also for economic development”.
He expressed optimism that the centre would excel and achieve its objective due to its state-of-the-art facilities. The Lead Researcher and Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences of the university, Dr Iman Usman-Haruna, said, “the centre is established to provide free services to women with cancer problems.”
She said about 1,500 patients are expected to benefit during the first phase of its programme. “This research is a multi-centre study to be conducted in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa and is mainly on cervical cancer screening.
“We will be performing pap smear and HPV test for 1,500 women, samples will be transported to Yusuf Maitama Sule University for processing.” This is through a grant from TETFund and with great support from the university management,” she said.
She applauded the Vice-Chancellor and TETFUND for their support for the actualisation of the project, describing it as a welcome development for the betterment of society.
