Courtesy Visit to SSG Marks Official Kick-Off of Dementia Project Field Activities in Yobe State

Official Commencement of Fieldwork

On 23rd August 2025, the Director of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, alongside key members of the BioRTC team, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Yobe State.

The purpose of the visit was to formally notify the government of the official commencement of field data collection for BioRTC’s Wellcome Trust-funded Dementia Project.

This visit reflects the Centre’s commitment to government engagement, transparency, and collaboration in advancing public health research in the region.

Excited to Begin Field Activities

We are thrilled to begin implementation of the Dementia Project—an ambitious initiative aimed at understanding and addressing dementia in Africa, with Yobe State as a key site.

This groundbreaking project is funded by the Wellcome Trust and supported by the Yobe State Government.

Led by Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, the project is expected to:

  • Advance dementia research in Northern Nigeria
  • Strengthen BioRTC’s position as a hub for world-class biomedical research and innovation

What the Project Involves

Our research team has begun screening individuals aged 65 years and above for memory and cognitive function.

In addition to screening for dementia, we are collecting:

  • Health and demographic information
  • Blood samples for advanced biomarker and genetic testing
  • Skin biopsies (from selected participants) to develop induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

These samples will contribute to Africa’s first open-access iPSC biobank, being established at BioRTC in Damaturu.

An Integrated Approach to Community Health

While dementia is our primary focus, this project adopts an integrated health approach by also gathering data on:

  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Infectious diseases
  • Environmental exposures

This comprehensive dataset will contribute to:

  • BioRTC’s ongoing Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin (CKDu) Project
  • Future public health and epidemiological studies
  • Improved healthcare delivery strategies

Maximizing Impact Through Collaboration

By combining efforts across multiple research programs, BioRTC is maximizing the impact of every participant encounter—building local research capacity, improving disease diagnosis, and strengthening health systems in Yobe State and beyond.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Yobe State Government, the SSG’s office, community leaders, and participants for their continued support and collaboration.

Together, we are working toward a healthier future through research that serves the people.

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