Prof. Marcellinus Uchechukwu Nwagu has raised alarm over Nigeria’s shortage of hematologists, revealing that only about 200 registered specialists serve a population of over 200 million—a ratio of one hematologist per million people, which he described as unacceptable.

Speaking at the 17th inaugural lecture series of Edo University Iyamho titled, “We are transporters, We are soldiers; We are sealants, We swim in our waters, but we have our problems,” Nwagu noted the country’s challenges with blood donation, stressing its irregularity and low volume, which limits availability of blood products.

He stressed the urgent need for more blood bank centers and the introduction of Aphaeresis machines for blood product preparation in hospitals.

The professor called on the federal government to establish stem cell transplantation centers across all geopolitical zones to make treatment more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

He explained that while current sickle cell disease management focuses on symptom alleviation and quality of life improvement, the only cure is successful hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation.

To prevent the disease, Nwagu advocated for increased awareness, particularly in rural areas and faith-based organizations, recommending free routine screening even at the primary school level, as many adults remain unaware of their hemoglobin genotype.

Further, he suggested legislation to make sickle cell screening compulsory for prospective couples before marriage. He also urged government programs to ensure availability and affordability of cytotoxic drugs for treatment, similar to the PEPFAR program for HIV drugs.

Prof. Nwagu encouraged Nigerian first ladies to champion sponsorship of at least one HbSS transplant per year, potentially covering 36 cases annually and 142 cases over a four-year tenure.

He called for subsidies on diagnostics and treatment costs for hematological cancers and investment in modern diagnostic equipment, alongside the implementation of health policies that will benefit patients with these conditions.

Earlier, Edo University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, announced that inaugural lectures will soon become key criteria for academic progression at the institution.