About - CESRTA

Centre of Excellence for
Sickle Cell Disease Research
and Training University of
Abuja

About Us

The Centre of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training University of Abuja (CESRTA), was established in line with Nigeria’s five (5) year strategic plan of action for non-communicable diseases in 2015. The centre is mandated to carry out basic, clinical and translational research in sickle cell disease (SCD) aimed at addressing existing knowledge gaps, finding cheaper, safer therapies as well as innovative ways of reducing the prevalence and burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

CESRTA also provides the opportunity for short-, medium- and long-term training to produce the skilled workforce necessary for optimal care for patients with sickle cell disease and for research. CESRTA has a multidisciplinary team of basic and clinical scientists, educationists and social and computer scientists working together in the University and welcomes investigators from within and outside the country. It has close collaboration with two H3 Africa programs in Abuja: The H3 Africa Bio-repository at the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) and H3AbioNet Node at the Centre for Genomics Research & Innovation (CGRI), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).

The University of Abuja is within 10 minutes from the international airport and along a major road linking the northern and southern parts of the country and is therefore easily accessible by air and by road. CESRTA’s location in close proximity to the seat of government makes it easy to implement research findings and to translate research to policy.

CESRTA’s activities are PI driven with each research project leveraging on the expertise of the multidisciplinary team of members at CESRTA, the network of collaborators in the Nigerian Sickle Cell Network (Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria) and beyond.

Director
Prof. Obiageli E Nnodu  BMBCH, FWACP  (Lab Med), FNAMed.

The Centre of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training University of Abuja (CESRTA), was established in line with Nigeria’s five (5) year strategic plan of action for non-communicable diseases in 2015. The centre is mandated to carry out basic and translational research in sickle cell disease (SCD) aimed at addressing existing knowledge gaps, finding cheaper, safer therapies as well as innovative ways of reducing the prevalence and burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

CESRTA also provides the opportunity for short, medium and long term training to produce the skilled force necessary for optimal care for patients with sickle cell disease and for research. CESRTA has a multidisciplinary team of basic and clinical scientists, educationists and social scientists working together in the University and welcomes investigators from within and outside the country. It has close collaboration with two H3 Africa programs in Abuja: The H3 Africa Bio-repository at the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) and H3AbioNet Node at the Centre for Genomics Research & Innovation (CGRI), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).

The University of Abuja is within 10 minutes from the international airport and near a major road linking the northern and southern parts of the country and is therefore easily accessible by air and by road. CESRTA’s location close proximity to the seat of government makes it easy to implement research findings and to translate research to policy.

CESRTA’s activities are PI driven with each research project leveraging on the expertise of the multidisciplinary team members at CESRTA, the network of collaborators in the Nigerian Sickle Cell Network (Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria) and beyond.

Director Prof. Obiageli E Nnodu BMBCH, FWACP (Lab Med), FNAMed.

Meet our Team

Professor Obiageli E. Nnodu

I am a Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Abuja, Abuja Nigeria, Honorary Consultant Haematologist, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja (CESRTA), PI of the Sickle Pan African Research Consortium NigEria (SPARC-NEt), Co-PI for the UK NIHR Patient-centred sickle cell disease management in sub-Saharan (PACTS), Site Lead for SickleGenAfrica, the National Coordinator of the American Society of Hematology Consortium for Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Africa (CONSA). I serve on various technical committees for the Nigerian government on non-communicable diseases and led the assessment of the level of implementation of WHO AFRO strategy for SCD in high burden countries. I am currently coordinating the development and implementation of WHO AFRO’s programme on gene therapy. I chair the largest network of SCD in Africa (SCSSN) and am a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine.

Chinwe Okeke

Chinwe Okeke is a SPARCO Research Fellow. Worked on Using DBS on HemoTypeSC a New Frontier for Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria.

Joel Adamu

Joel Adamu graduated with a first-class degree from the Department of Biological Science University of Abuja, class 2020. He hails from Zonkwa, Kaduna State. He has a passion for Academic excellence and wishes to promote it in his generation and beyond. Served as a student Laboratory Assistant in the Department of Biology from 2019-2021 under the student employment scheme (SES) University of Abuja.

Once worked as a data entry clerk now a research assistant in the Centre of Excellence for Sickle cell research and training (CESRTA) University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Pam David Jugu

Pam David Jugu is a Research Associate at the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) University of Abuja. New born screening for Sickle cell Disease is the way forward in Nigeria and Africa as a whole and I am highly delighted and grateful to be part of the team (CESRTA) together we are greater and better when all hands is on deck to see that New born screening becomes a national routine in all our Health institutions especially the Primary Health Care.

Ajetomobi Grace Doyin

Ajetomobi Grace Doyin graduated from University of Jos with a degree in Bachelor of Science, Industrial Chemistry after which she went for the one year compulsory National Youth Service where she was posted to serve at the University of Abuja. She currently works as a Research Associate at Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research & Training University of Abuja (CESRTA) where she has undergone various training in better understanding in research.

Fasina Ayomide

Fasina Ayomide is a Medical Doctor currently observing her one year compulsory National youth service in the university of Abuja and works as a medical officer at Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja where she’s trained as a Clinical Researcher.

Oparaugo Chisomaga

Oparaugo Chisomaga is a Research Assistant with over five years of experience in the new born screening program at the center. Having contributed towards reducing sickle cell disease in Nigeria, chisomaga is optimistic that a sickle cell disease free society is attainable. A graduate of Biochemistry (major) from the prestigious Federal University of Technology Owerri FUTO. His key career interest spans in the areas of Genomics and molecular biology with the objective of contributing to the control of genetic disorders. A visioned and goal driven fellow with excellent academic and professional record.

Ibrahim Rukayat M

Ibrahim Rukayat M. A dedicated, diligent and ambitious Research Nurse with over 10 years experience in both clinical and non-clinical nursing skills enhanced towards patients management.

Having Participated in different research program in CESRTA. She has developed a highly organized performance, support and passion towards Newborn screening, SCD patients enrollment and follow-up of care in the hospital.

Chidume Jacob

Chidume Jacob is a Computer Scientist with a special interest in data science. Over the years, I have participated in development of databases for organizational system development and management. I am very competent and proficient with the use of Python, MATLAB, MySQL, powerBI, pandas and extensive use of MS office. I am equipped with strategic insight in many aspects of data management, ranging from medium to large scale data interrogation, data interpretation, entry, cleaning, processing, analyzing, visualization and comprehensive reporting through Exploratory Data Analysis. I am trained to manage clinical research data while maintaining data/patient confidentiality and ethical requirements and databases such as Medidata Database.

Nurse Achigamonye Ifunanya Chioma

Nurse Achigamonye Ifunanya Chioma is a graduate of Imo State University, currently working in Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training as a research Nurse where she health educates sickle cell patients and engages in new born screening. A goal and visioned driven young lady who is ready to learn new research methodology in managing sickle cell disease in Nigeria. Her interest in career and professional growth spans in the area of public health and research in genetic disorder

Ijeoma Ngozi Udeozo

Ijeoma Ngozi Udeozo is a Research Associate with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and certifications as an AAT and Data Analyst. She brings a unique blend of skills and experience to the role. Her educational background in finance and data analysis, combined with her certifications provide her with a strong foundation for understanding complex economic concepts and analysing large datasets to extract meaningful insights. In her current position, she utilizes these skills to support ongoing research projects and initiatives. She remains eager to continue leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful results for the organization.

Thomas Yecenu

Thomas Yecenu is a research assistant at the center with over 30 years of experience as a laboratory technician. A dedicated research assistant with great skills in the new born screening program and sickle cell awareness in Abuja. Her passion for a healthy society has always been a driving goal that propels her to do more and achieve her objective.

Haruna Iyobosa Juliet

She is a research nurse at the Center of excellence for sickle cell disease research and training, University of Abuja. Her work involves enrollment of patients into Sickle Pan African Research Consortium Nigeria Network (SPARC-NEt) Database UATH site and also does follow up of all the enrolled patients in the database.

She also partakes in newborn screening of babies born from first day of birth to six weeks for early identification of babies with sickle cell disease. As soon as confirmatory result is out, the parents of the baby identified is contacted and counselled then the baby is enrolled into the pediatric sickle cell clinic at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital where the parents are educated properly on how to care of the child.

Mr. Chianumba Reuben Iyke

Reuben is very experienced and trained in the area of data management. Currently a postgraduate student in the department of Medical Biochemistry(M.Sc) University of Abuja, and a Big Data Research Fellow SPARCo Nigeria Hub. He has shown outstanding work ethics and dedication while handling the CONSA programme in the FCT. He is very proficient in the use of REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) online web application. He is also supporting other research activities ongoing in the Centre for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja (CESRTA), where his major responsibility involves data management

Patrick Ohiani Moru

Patrick Ohiani Moru is a Medical Doctor, He’s a Clinical Research Fellow at the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) University of Abuja, with certifications in; Project Management (International Project), Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (WHO AFRO), Leadership and Management in Global Health and Human Clinical and Health Research ethics, he facilitates training, coordinates and support ongoing research projects/programs, capacity building for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients/Caregivers, research protocol implementation and implementation of Evidence Based Health Interventions in the Management of SCD.

Dr Hezekiah A. Isa

Dr Hezekiah A. Isa is an Associate Professor and an honorary Consultant Haematologist at University of Abuja and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital respectively. He is the Site Coordinator for Sickle Pan African Research Consortium NigEria Network (SPARC-NEt) and the Secretary of the Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria (SCSSN). He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (NSHBT) and the College of Nigerian Pathologists (CNP). His areas of interest are Sickle Cell Disease and Blood Transfusion.

Samuel Abayomi Asala

He is a Professor of Anatomy (Neuroscience and Forensic Anthropology). With 38 years of University teaching, research and administrative experience in Nigeria, United Kingdom, Japan, Zimbabwe and South Africa, he was the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and later Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja. He was also the pioneer President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, an affiliate of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) and International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). His research experience grew from the University of Sheffield where he obtained his PhD degree in Neuroanatomy in 1984 through the Institute for Medical and Dental Engineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University where he undertook postdoctoral research in biocybernetics in 1988 to the Universities of Zimbabwe and the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg where he was a major contributor to the establishment of the Forensic Anthropology Research Units. He was a member of the medical curriculum development committees at the University of Zimbabwe and the University of the Witwatersrand. As Provost, he provided significant support for the development of Sickle Cell research efforts and ultimate establishment of the Centre for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) in University of Abuja. His current work emphasis is on postgraduate training, career mentorship and curriculum development.

Atodo Sunday Atabo

Atodo Sunday Atabo is a senior medical officer in the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
He graduated with Bachelor degree in medicine and surgery from Ahmadu Bello University zaria. He has been trained in the management of sickle cell disease and haematological cancer by Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) University of Abuja, where he is currently a clinical research fellow.
He believes with hard work having a sickle cell free society is achievable

Samuel Abayomi Asala

He is a Professor of Anatomy (Neuroscience and Forensic Anthropology). With 38 years of University teaching, research and administrative experience in Nigeria, United Kingdom, Japan, Zimbabwe and South Africa, he was the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and later Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja. He was also the pioneer President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, an affiliate of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) and International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). His research experience grew from the University of Sheffield where he obtained his PhD degree in Neuroanatomy in 1984 through the Institute for Medical and Dental Engineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University where he undertook postdoctoral research in biocybernetics in 1988 to the Universities of Zimbabwe and the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg where he was a major contributor to the establishment of the Forensic Anthropology Research Units. He was a member of the medical curriculum development committees at the University of Zimbabwe and the University of the Witwatersrand. As Provost, he provided significant support for the development of Sickle Cell research efforts and ultimate establishment of the Centre for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) in University of Abuja. His current work emphasis is on postgraduate training, career mentorship and curriculum development.