A United States-based Nigerian bioanalytical scientist, Akeem Sanni, has urged the Federal Government to swiftly adopt mass spectrometry-based omics technologies to tackle Nigeria’s growing but underdiagnosed cases of neurological disorders and childhood cancers. Sanni, currently pursuing a PhD in Bioanalytical Chemistry at Texas Tech University, warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on outdated diagnostic tools has created a dangerous gap in the early detection and management of life-altering brain and cancer conditions.
Outdated Diagnostics Fueling Underdiagnosis
According to Sanni, many serious neurological and oncological conditions in Nigeria remain undetected, not because they are rare, but due to the country’s failure to deploy modern, high-throughput diagnostic technologies. He cited examples like Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1), Alzheimer’s Disease, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), and neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, which often go unrecognized in Nigerian healthcare settings.
“Traditional diagnostics often miss the subtle biochemical signatures of brain disorders,” Sanni explained. “Mass spectrometry-driven omics can detect disease-specific proteins, lipids, and metabolites in blood and cerebrospinal fluid long before irreversible symptoms appear.”
What Is Omics Technology?
Omics technologies—particularly proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics—use tools like liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze biological samples. These methods enable scientists to identify early disease biomarkers, offering a powerful alternative to symptom-based diagnoses or limited imaging tests.
These technologies are widely used in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the developed world for early detection, disease staging, and treatment monitoring. According to Sanni, their introduction into Nigeria’s medical system could dramatically shorten diagnostic delays, improve patient care, and reduce the long-term burden on the nation’s fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Urgent Call to Government and Health Institutions
Sanni called on the Federal Ministry of Health, tertiary hospitals, and national research institutions to prioritize investments in omics infrastructure. He proposed the establishment of nationwide omics laboratories, equipped with LC-MS/MS platforms, and emphasized the need for comprehensive clinician training in bioanalytical techniques.
Additionally, he advocated for the creation of a national biomarker database that would consolidate local diagnostic information, support epidemiological research, and enable physicians to make data-driven clinical decisions tailored to Nigerian patients.
Omics in Nigeria: Untapped Potential
Sanni argued that Nigeria has already proven its capacity to handle molecular diagnostics, referencing the country’s swift adoption of PCR-based testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned international recognition for its effective disease tracking infrastructure.
“If Nigeria could take the lead in West Africa during COVID-19 with its molecular diagnostics, then we have what it takes to pioneer a brain health revolution using omics science,” he stated.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s universities and federal teaching hospitals could serve as anchor hubs for this transformation if they receive the right support, policy direction, and funding.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond health benefits, Sanni highlighted the broader economic advantages of early disease detection. He explained that diagnosing neurological diseases and cancers in their early stages would significantly cut healthcare costs by reducing hospitalizations, minimizing long-term disabilities, and improving quality of life—particularly for youth and working-age adults.
“Investing in omics technologies will prevent productivity losses caused by undiagnosed brain disorders, which often keep young Nigerians out of school or the workforce,” he warned. “The ripple effect on the national economy is enormous.”
A Call to the Scientific Community
Sanni also challenged Nigerian scientists and academic researchers to shift their focus from mere academic output to real-world patient impact. He lamented that while Nigerian researchers are publishing in international journals, their work often fails to translate into clinical practice or public health benefit.
“The time has come for Nigerian scientists to think beyond impact factors and citations,” he urged. “We must bridge the gap between research and reality by implementing technologies that actually change lives.”
Conclusion: A Path Forward for Brain Health and Diagnostics in Nigeria
Akeem Sanni’s call is both timely and urgent, especially in a country where health budgets remain low, and diagnostic capabilities are stretched thin. With neurological and cancer-related conditions becoming increasingly prevalent but largely undetected, the integration of mass spectrometry-based omics into Nigeria’s healthcare system could mark a turning point.
To achieve this, Nigeria must invest not only in equipment and training, but also in research translation, health policy innovation, and cross-sector collaboration between government agencies, universities, hospitals, and the private sector.
If embraced, this new wave of bioanalytical science could not only improve clinical outcomes for millions of Nigerians but also position the country as a leader in diagnostic innovation across West Africa.
