The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, in his efforts to revolutionize the healthcare sector, has initiated a groundbreaking collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute at the esteemed School in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The partnership aims to establish a center of excellence in Katsina, which will be the first of its kind in northern Nigeria dedicated to combating infectious diseases.
The Wellcome Sanger Institute, originally founded for sequencing the human genome, is currently a globally recognized biomedical research center that conducts large-scale scientific research in biology and medicine.
Governor Radda’s recent visit to the Wellcome Sanger Institute has demonstrated his commitment to improving healthcare and fostering international partnerships. During the visit, the Governor was accompanied by esteemed individuals, including Ibrahim Ingawa, a student and recipient of a scholarship from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), a lecturer at Cambridge University, and Chairman of the House Fellow, Dr. Aliko Mohammed.
A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Muhammad, which was copied to LEADERSHIP, highlighted that the Governor was warmly received by the institute’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Martin Dougherty, and the Head of the Parasites and Microbes Programme, Prof. Nicholas Robert Thomson. They provided valuable insights and assured the Governor of their overwhelming support.
The statement explained that the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge is renowned for its expertise in research and its comprehensive approach to tackling infectious diseases.
“Governor Radda aims to establish a cutting-edge center of excellence in Katsina by harnessing this knowledge. This groundbreaking initiative will serve as a hub for pioneering research, advanced diagnostics, and innovative treatment strategies,” the statement read.
“The proposed center of excellence will address the urgent healthcare challenges faced by the northern region of Nigeria, with a specific focus on infectious diseases. Through strategic partnerships, the center will leverage the expertise of international and local researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to develop sustainable solutions and strengthen the healthcare ecosystem in Katsina State.
“Governor Radda expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that the collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute marks a significant milestone in our efforts to transform healthcare in Katsina State. By establishing a center of excellence, we will enhance our capacity to combat infectious diseases and improve the overall health outcomes of our citizens. We look forward to working closely with international experts and local stakeholders to achieve our shared vision,” it added.
He further stated, “All universities, including the School of Hygiene, Oxford University, and Cambridge University, are partnering with the Wellcome Sanger Institute to conduct impactful research. Therefore, partnering with the Sanger Institute is like establishing a network with all UK universities.”