Oncology Training Expands Cancer Care in Northern Nigeria

A new partnership between Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) and the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre has launched oncology training for nurses, aiming to expand specialist cancer care in Northern Nigeria.

The initiative, which builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding, will provide structured oncology certification for MAAUN nursing graduates and practicing nurses across the region. The programme addresses a critical shortage of cancer specialists, which has long hampered treatment access in the area.

University President Mohammed Israr called the collaboration a strategic intervention to strengthen healthcare education and build local capacity. He stated the training would develop skilled personnel to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient support services.

Nafisa Abdu, Chief Executive Officer of the Kano Cancer Treatment Centre, explained the arrangement allows nurses to gain specialised certification locally, eliminating the need to travel to other states. She added the partnership will also support breast cancer and HPV awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, and improved management approaches.

The programme will create internship and practical training placements, particularly for medical and health-related students. Provost of MAAUN’s School of Medicine, Rayyan Garba, said the initiative is timely given the persistent deficit of oncologists and cancer care professionals in Northern Nigeria. He noted that expanding specialist training locally is key to improving access to quality care and reducing treatment delays.

Vice President for Administration Habib Awais Abubakar and Dean of the School of Health Sciences Kabir Mustapha both reaffirmed the university’s commitment, highlighting the opportunity for nursing students to graduate with specialist oncology skills and strengthen the regional healthcare workforce.

The partners expressed optimism that the training will contribute to improved cancer awareness, earlier detection, and better treatment outcomes for patients across Northern Nigeria. The collaboration represents a focused effort to mitigate systemic gaps in cancer management through education and localized capacity building.