IMAP, Nasarawa Health Ministry Join Forces to Combat Breast, Cervical Cancer

Timescope News 

The Management of Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic (IMAP), Lafia, has taken a bold step toward tackling the rising burden of cancer by developing a comprehensive intervention programme targeting breast and cervical cancer among students and communities in Nasarawa State.

On March 25, 2026, the Polytechnic formally engaged the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health to seek collaboration and support for the initiative.

The meeting, which took place at the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, was held during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Care–World Cancer Initiative through the institution’s Directorate of Linkages and Advancement, is titled “IMAP Breast and Cervical Cancer Proactive Initiative (2025–2028).” It is designed to align with Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Presenting the proposal, representatives of the Polytechnic explained that the Rector had assembled a multi-sectoral team comprising the Directorate of Linkages, the institution’s clinic, student representatives, and external cancer intervention partners to drive the project.

They noted that the initiative was conceived in response to the alarming rise in reproductive cancers, particularly breast and cervical cancer, among women.

According to the team, the programme is expected to reach over 32,000 female students across tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, with a strong focus on advocacy, early detection, and improved access to screening services.

Key components of the initiative include the establishment of a mini cervical cancer screening centre within the Polytechnic, intensified awareness campaigns across campuses, and the creation of an IMAP Breast and Cervical Cancer Support Wallet to assist students battling cancer.

The team also appealed for government support to upgrade the institution’s health facility to accommodate large-scale screening for students and surrounding communities.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, commended the Polytechnic for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention.

He emphasized that prevention remains the most effective strategy in addressing cancer, noting that the cost of treatment is often beyond the reach of many Nigerians.

“Cancers are best addressed through prevention. Once the disease progresses, the cost of care becomes very prohibitive for many people,” he said.

Dr. Alhassan further stressed the importance of early detection, particularly through routine self-examination, which he described as simple but often neglected.

“Every woman is encouraged to carry out regular breast self-examination. Early detection can make all the difference. If discovered early, treatment can be successful and individuals can continue to live normal lives,” he added.

He also highlighted the broader impact of awareness among young women, noting that educating female students would create a ripple effect across families and communities.

Health officials estimate that the initiative could ultimately impact over 100,000 women across the state through this multiplier effect.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry would explore ways to support the Polytechnic, particularly in strengthening its health facility for effective implementation of the screening programme.

The IMAP initiative is widely regarded as a significant step toward reducing the burden of breast and cervical cancer in Nasarawa State, especially among young women in tertiary institutions.