Well-functioning National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) is essential for ensuring a reliable and safe blood supply in Nigeria. Mr. President’s commitment to improving health outcomes for all Nigerians includes the expectation that our medical facilities adhere to accepted standards for the collection, storage, and distribution of blood and blood products through a well-regulated system.
Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Abba Zubair to my office and presenting him with his appointment letter by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, GCFR, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Blood Service Commission @NBSC_Abj.
Prof. Abba Zubair @AbbaZubairMD is a distinguished physician and scientist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. He is specialized in haematology (blood sciences), regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. He holds a medical degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and a Ph.D. in Tumor Immunology from the University of Sheffield in the UK. Dr. Zubair’s groundbreaking research includes sending stem cells to the International Space Station to study their growth in microgravity, aiming to improve treatments for conditions like stroke. He has received several prestigious international awards, including the @NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal. Currently, he serves as the Medical Director of Transfusion Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy at the world-renowned @MayoClinic, US, where he continues to lead advancements in medical science.
In his wisdom, Mr. President recognizes that rebuilding our nation requires harnessing and deploying Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources both within and outside the country. We thank Prof. Zubair for accepting this appointment to serve, confident that his expertise, experience, and track record will be leveraged to steer the NBSC towards becoming a world-class institution, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare system and enhancing its ability to save lives through effective blood transfusion services.
