Koko Maxwella 
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has directed major health research agencies to provide technical and financial backing for a groundbreaking scientific investigation into a potential treatment for brain cancer.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, issued the directive during a virtual meeting with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
Salako described the plant-based discovery as a “major scientific milestone” for Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health innovation agenda.
“Phytomedicine must be prioritised as part of Nigeria’s healthcare transformation,” he said.
Lead researcher Dr. Amina Jega of the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET) revealed that the active compound, extracted from a Northern Nigerian plant species, destroyed brain cancer cells within 48 hours during laboratory trials.
NICRAT Director General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, pledged institutional support to fast-track development.
“We are ready to collaborate fully to advance this research,” he affirmed.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
Otamere Gladness