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Well-equipped diagnostic laboratories can improve cancer care, says expert
In view of the increasing prevalence of cancer in the country, the Center Manager and Clinical Pathologist at Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Center (BTHDC), Dr Wale Olusanya, says there is need for more laboratories equipped with modern and effective cancer diagnostic equipment in Nigeria.
Olusanya in a statement on Monday said that accurate data from cancer screening can help doctors detect the malignant cells before they spread to other parts of the body and become terminal.
Cancer is a major health problem in Nigeria causing an estimated 78,899 deaths in 2020 and about 124,815 new cases diagnosed by medical doctors every year, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory.
Olusanya added that screening tests can reveal a significant abnormality in different body organs and help in monitoring the progression of cancerous cells for proper patient management.
The pathologist explained that a combination of imaging tests such as CT Scans, Ultrasounds and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can help in the early detection of tumors, inflammation, and other signs of cancer, especially in patients that are at a high risk.
According to him, laboratory screening tests with the appropriate devices offer reliable results for prompt diagnoses, saving lives and reducing patient length of stay in hospitals.
“Cancer treatment is more effective in the early stages of the diseases. This is the reason why we need to bridge the gap in cancer screening by establishing more laboratories that have modern equipment. We have the expertise and relevant diagnostic tools that use modern technology in disease screening. This aligns with our mission of enhancing patient care and safety,” the pathologist said.
He added, “Our partnership with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has helped doctors detect latent cancers at an early stage. This helps them in properly managing the disease condition and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the patients’ body.
“Also for cancer survivors, these screening procedures help in identifying untreated cancer cells and reoccurrences. We are planning to have more of these partnerships to support hospitals in the treatment of this deadly disease.”
To provide continued support in the treatment of cancer, Olusanya stated that BTHDC was working closely with stakeholders to understand their challenges in cancer diagnosis and meet their needs by providing accurate data that aids doctors in disease diagnosis and treatment for better health outcomes.
BT Health and Diagnostic Center, an ultra-modern Diagnostic facility, is a Public Private Partnership Project between the LASUTH and the PPC Healthcare, a leading innovative healthcare solutions provider.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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