Cancer Research: NABOF Awards Grants to LASUCOM Oncology Students
The Nanafatimah Amele Bamigbetan Oncology Foundation (NABOF) has awarded research grants to oncology students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) to support innovative cancer research and promote the development of future oncology specialists.
The grant presentation ceremony, held on Tuesday at the LASUCOM Auditorium, was organised in memory of the late Mrs. Nanafatimah Amele Bamigbetan. The initiative seeks to honour her legacy while encouraging young researchers to contribute to advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Three research proposals were selected for funding after a rigorous screening process.
The first project, titled “Impact of Tutor/Peer Co-led Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer Among Female High School Students in Ikeja Local Government Area,” will be undertaken by Oyinlola Bisola Soyombo and her research team.
The second study, “Significance of Integrins in Breast Cancer Outcomes,” will be conducted by Bukola Esther Fulani, Idris Ibrahim and Alli Gbemisola.
The third project, “Assessing Psychological Distress Among Prostate Cancer Patients at LASUTH,” will be carried out by Khalid Olapade’s group.
According to Olapade’s team, the study will assess the level of psychological distress experienced by prostate cancer patients, identify the independent predictors of such distress, improve patients’ quality of life, promote the integration of psychological care into cancer management, and raise national awareness of the importance of mental health in cancer treatment.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Provost of LASUCOM, Professor Olufemi Idowu, who was represented by Professor Olayinka Ogunleye, the Chairman of the Research Management and Development Committee, said the awardees emerged after a thorough evaluation of numerous research proposals submitted by students under the guidance of their academic mentors.
He noted that LASUCOM remains one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for medical education and research.
“This institution and our sister hospital continue to compete favourably with many first-generation universities in the areas of research, training and clinical service,” he said.
According to him, supporting undergraduate research is an opportunity to nurture future scientists and instil the right research culture early in their careers.
He added that although significant progress has been made globally in oncology research, there is still enormous potential for locally driven studies, especially with organisations such as NABOF committed to bridging gaps in cancer research and patient care.
Also speaking, Mrs. Felicia Sonubi of Emerging Africa Trustees said the foundation was established out of the family’s painful experience of losing Mrs. Bamigbetan to cancer and a determination to support research capable of improving early cancer detection.
She commended the founder of the foundation, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, for his vision and commitment.
“For students who are interested in research on the early detection of cancer, the foundation will be glad to support them. Our goal is to encourage research that can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for cancer patients,” she said.
Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Omolara Fatiregun, described the initiative as a celebration of hope, innovation and purposeful philanthropy.
“The Bamigbetan family has transformed the loss of a beloved wife into a mission that will benefit countless others. This is not just a landmark ceremony; it is a celebration of hope and innovation to reduce the burden of cancer through research. It demonstrates what is possible when academia and philanthropy work together,” she said.
Dr. Fatiregun warned that cancer cases are projected to rise significantly by 2030, stressing that research remains critical to improving prevention, early detection and treatment.
“Research is the bridge between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s solutions. Every breakthrough and every policy begins with a research question. By supporting these students, we are nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators,” she added.
She urged the beneficiaries to conduct their studies with integrity and produce findings worthy of publication in reputable international journals.
“Never lose your curiosity. The future of oncology will be shaped by people like you,” she said.
In his vote of thanks, the founder of NABOF, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, congratulated the student researchers for embracing the demanding task of scientific inquiry.
“I commend the students who have stepped forward to make a difference because research cannot happen without committed researchers. This is only the beginning. We will continue to raise funds to support this initiative. We have also launched a website to attract support from across the world so that more oncology researchers can benefit.
“Every time we support this cause, Nanafatimah’s memory lives on. Her passing did not end with her burial; it continues to inspire acts of compassion and service. Even in moments of grief, we can choose to create something positive that will benefit humanity,” he said.
