Kaduna State University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Indonesia (Universitas Indonesia) and AMA Foundation to spearhead research and training initiatives in the field of stem cell technology.
The agreement a step in the advancement of medical research and treatment, will pave the way for innovative approaches to addressing various medical conditions using stem cells.
A team of scientists and researchers in the field of stem cells from the University of Indonesia were in Kaduna, where they held intensive and robust discussions with Kaduna State University, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, AMA Foundation, and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the program.
The delegation was led by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Indonesia, Professor Dr. Ari Fahrial Syam, who said the Indonesian government is fully in support of the initiative.
Kaduna State deputy governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who received the delegation from the University of Indonesia in her office, assured Kaduna State’s strong commitment to supporting the initiatives.
“I am pleased with the areas of collaboration you listed, and I want to assure you that the Kaduna State government believes in partnerships and collaborations, especially if such partnerships will be for the greater good of the generality of the people,” she said.
The deputy governor also commended the Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Usman Ari ‘Ogah for facilitating the joint collaboration and for choosing Kaduna as the centre for the program.
The deputy governor 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.”