Kaduna, Indonesia Varsities, Foundation Partner On Stem Cell Research

Kaduna State University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Indonesia (Universitas Indonesia) and AMA Foundation to jointly spearhead research and training initiatives in the field of stem cell technology in an effort to use modern medical innovations to treat various medical conditions.

According to the MoU, a research and development centre will be established in the Faculty of Medicine at Kaduna State University, as the University of Indonesia will build the capacity of young medical scientists from KASU and other educational institutions aimed at achieving technology and knowledge transfer to Nigeria.

A team of scientists and researchers in the field of stem cells from the University of Indonesia led by the dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam, who held meeting with Kaduna State University, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, AMA Foundation, and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the programme said the Indonesian government was supporting the initiative.

Syam said the programme will position Kaduna State and Nigeria to start the production and administration of stem cells to patients with different medical conditions.

Kaduna State deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who received the delegation from the University of Indonesia in Kaduna, assured the support of the state government.

Balarabe stated that the joint efforts will make Kaduna State the first in Nigeria to start using the new medical innovation in stem cells for treatments and management of patients, stating that this “will cut down the cost of medical tourism that Nigeria is grappling with.”

On his part, the chief medical director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abduallahi Musa Tabari said as the future of medicine, stem cells can be used to treat and cure both infectious and non-infectious diseases.