Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy Leadership and Committee Structure

Dr. Taiwo Gboluwaga Amole

Title: Deputy Director of Research, Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP)
Specialization: Public Health Physician with a focus on Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health

Dr. Taiwo Gboluwaga Amole is a distinguished public health physician specializing in maternal, child, and adolescent health. He serves as the Deputy Director of Research at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) at Bayero University, Kano.

With a robust academic background, Dr. Amole has authored over 66 publications, contributing significantly to the field of public health. His research has garnered over 838 citations, reflecting the impact of his work on the scientific community.

Dr. Amole's research interests encompass a wide range of public health issues, with a particular emphasis on maternal and child health. He has been involved in numerous studies aimed at improving health outcomes in these populations, demonstrating a commitment to advancing public health in Nigeria and beyond.

In his role at ACEPHAP, Dr. Amole plays a pivotal part in steering research initiatives that address critical health challenges. His leadership and expertise contribute to the center's mission of promoting population health outcomes through interdisciplinary approaches and evidence-informed policy development in West and Central Africa.

Dr. Iman Usman Haruna, MBBS, FMCOG

Title: Principal Investigator, Kano State Socioeconomic Empowerment Program (KASSEP)
Specialization: Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Role: Lead KASSEP Researcher and Co-Principal Investigator, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK)
Academic Role: Dean, Clinical Sciences, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

Dr. Iman Usman Haruna is an accomplished Senior Lecturer and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK) and Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. With more than 15 years of dedicated experience in clinical practice, education, and research, Dr. Haruna is a leader in the field of women’s healthcare, particularly focusing on maternal health, cervical cancer prevention, and innovative obstetric and gynecological treatments.

A graduate of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Dr. Haruna obtained her MBBS in 2006 and has since distinguished herself as an expert in her specialty. In 2017, she earned her Fellowship from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCOG), solidifying her position as a highly skilled Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. She currently serves as the Dean of Clinical Sciences at Yusuf Maitama Sule University, where she is instrumental in shaping the curriculum and advancing medical education, particularly in the northern region of Nigeria.

In her capacity as Principal Investigator for the Kano State Socioeconomic Empowerment Program (KASSEP), Dr. Haruna leads critical research aimed at addressing the social and economic challenges faced by the population of Kano State. She also serves as the Co-Principal Investigator from YUMSUK, providing invaluable insights into healthcare access, women’s empowerment, and socioeconomic development. Her work in KASSEP is vital in shaping public health strategies that impact underserved communities.

Dr. Haruna’s research is widely regarded for its contributions to the improvement of maternal healthcare. She is known for pioneering work in the application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment in obstetrics and gynecology, which has opened new avenues for innovative patient care. In addition, her research on cervical cancer prevention has provided critical insights into early detection and intervention strategies, helping to improve women's health outcomes across Nigeria.

An advocate for sustainable healthcare, Dr. Haruna has successfully secured funding for several high-impact research projects, including initiatives funded by TETFUND (Tertiary Education Trust Fund) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These initiatives focus on advancing healthcare delivery systems and ensuring the accessibility of quality maternal and reproductive healthcare services to vulnerable populations.

Beyond her clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Haruna is deeply committed to public health education and advocacy. She is an active member of several professional societies and frequently engages with the media to raise awareness about critical health issues, such as cervical cancer prevention and maternal health. Her volunteer efforts extend to organizing community outreach programs aimed at empowering women and educating the public on important health topics.

As an experienced administrator, Dr. Haruna has contributed to the development of numerous university committees and professional organizations, further demonstrating her leadership capabilities. Her dedication to advancing healthcare and medical education in Nigeria is evident in her tireless efforts to mentor the next generation of medical professionals, foster academic excellence, and improve the overall health system.

Dr. Ahmad Maifada Yakasai, MBBS, FWACP

Title: Associate Professor of Medicine
Specialization: Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases/Neuro-AIDS
Role: Deputy Provost, College of Health Sciences, Northwest University Kano and Co-Principal Investigator, KASSEP

Dr. Ahmad Maifada Yakasai is a distinguished physician and academic from Kano State, Nigeria. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with an MBBS degree, Dr. Yakasai embarked on a stellar medical career, starting at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital as a Medical Officer before joining the Post-graduate Residency Program at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

In 2012, Dr. Yakasai achieved Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP) with a specialization in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases/Neuro-AIDS. He joined Northwest University Kano in 2013 as a Consultant Physician and has since risen to the position of Associate Professor of Medicine. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the university.

His early career also includes serving as a Central Facilitator for National and State Immunization Campaigns in multiple Local Governments from 2004 to 2006, demonstrating his commitment to public health initiatives. Dr. Yakasai has participated in numerous community- and facility-based research projects nationwide, with significant contributions to healthcare improvement.

A key area of his expertise is evidence-based medicine, with a special focus on systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Dr. Yakasai has made several impactful publications in this field, advancing medical knowledge and informing clinical practices. His dedication to research and education continues to shape the future of medicine in Nigeria and beyond.

Dr. Fatima Muhammad Mahmud

Title: Project Manager, Kano State Socioeconomic Empowerment Program (KASSEP)
Specialization: Maternal and Child Health, Health Equity, Health Systems, and Global Health

Dr. Fatima Muhammad Mahmud is a distinguished researcher with expertise in maternal and child health, health equity, health systems, and global health. With a PhD in Epidemiology and a Master of Public Health, she is dedicated to evidence-informed decision-making and improving health outcomes.

Proficient in designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative surveys, Dr. Mahmud excels in formative research and advanced data analysis to track progress, inform programming, and shape policy formulation. Her skills extend to creating electronic data collection tools and deploying them to platforms such as ODK Server and Kobo Toolbox.

As an expert in data analysis, Dr. Mahmud uses tools like STATA and Power BI to derive actionable insights from complex datasets. She combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to address challenges in health systems and equity.

In her role at KASSEP, Dr. Mahmud manages initiatives that drive socioeconomic empowerment and improve health outcomes in Kano State. Her leadership and innovative approaches to research continue to impact the field of public health and development.

Abdul Ibrahim

Title: Lead Research Data Manager and Innovation Specialist, Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP)
Specialization: Health Research Data Management, Platform Development, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Role: Research Data Management, Platform Innovation, and M&E Framework Design

Abdul Ibrahim is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in health research, data management, platform development, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). He currently serves as the Lead Research Data Manager and Innovation Specialist at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), a collaboration between Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano.

With a strong foundation in health informatics and data systems, Abdul has successfully developed data collection protocols and platforms tailored for large-scale health research projects. His innovations include designing a Sample Registration System platform, building interactive dashboards for real-time data sharing, and creating user-friendly websites that enhance stakeholder engagement.

Abdul’s expertise in M&E encompasses the design and implementation of comprehensive frameworks for tracking project performance, evaluating program outcomes, and ensuring data integrity. His ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies has significantly contributed to the success of initiatives like the Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP).

Technically proficient in statistical tools such as R Studio, Stata, and Microsoft Excel, Abdul is also skilled in programming languages including JAVA, CSS, PHP, and HTML. His technical acumen enables him to design scalable solutions that enhance research data collection, quality assurance, and reporting.

Beyond his technical contributions, Abdul is a dedicated mentor and educator. He has trained and supported junior data managers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within ACEPHAP. His collaborative approach and commitment to capacity building ensure sustained advancements in public health research and data management.

Key Technical Skills: Expertise in R Studio, Stata, Microsoft Excel, JAVA, CSS, PHP, and HTML. Skilled in developing interactive dashboards, M&E frameworks, and scalable data collection platforms.

Abubakar Sadiq Isa

Title: IT Desk Officer, Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP)
Specialization: Mobile Application Development, Public Health Informatics, and Project Management
Role: Research Data Management

Abubakar Sadiq Isa is a distinguished IT professional with over a decade of expertise in hybrid mobile application development, public health informatics, and project management. Since 2021, he has served as the IT Desk Officer for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), where he plays a pivotal role in aligning cutting-edge technological solutions with the strategic objectives of public health research and innovation.

Abubakar has successfully led high-impact initiatives, including the E-MOTIVE Trial, a global maternal health project. His role encompassed managing interdisciplinary teams, ensuring data integrity, and deploying innovative IT systems that improved project efficiency and outcomes. His leadership underscores his ability to navigate complex projects with precision and foresight.

Technically proficient in frameworks such as AngularJS and Node.js, Abubakar has developed scalable, user-centric mobile and web applications tailored to the needs of public health projects. He excels in systems integration, creating seamless data collection platforms, and building dashboards for real-time analysis and reporting, thereby enhancing decision-making processes.

In addition to his technical expertise, Abubakar has a strong foundation in project management. His ability to design and implement data collection protocols, monitor key performance indicators, and provide actionable insights has been instrumental in driving the success of research initiatives like the Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP).

Abubakar’s commitment to innovation and collaboration has earned him recognition as a key driver of technological advancement at ACEPHAP. Beyond his professional contributions, he is a dedicated mentor, nurturing the next generation of IT professionals and fostering a culture of excellence in public health informatics.

Key Technical Skills: Proficient in AngularJS, Node.js, HTML, CSS, PHP, and JAVA. Experienced in statistical tools such as R Studio, Stata, and Microsoft Excel. Expertise in platform development, systems integration, and data visualization.

Shamsudeen Muhd

Title: Health Management Professional, Data Analyst
Specialisation: IT Desk Officer, Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP)
Role: Research Data Management

Shamsudeen Muhd is an experienced health management professional with a strong focus on public health and data analytics. His expertise spans coordinating vaccination campaigns, routine immunization programs, and health initiatives across Kano State. Leveraging data-driven strategies and collaborative approaches, Shamsudeen has significantly enhanced healthcare systems.

As a Data Analyst at the Kano Operations Room for the Covid-19 Vaccine Introduction, he harmonizes call-in data from Local Government Areas (LGAs) with logistics information, providing critical feedback to stakeholders. His leadership in public health operations is evident from roles such as Technical Supervisor for Covid-19 vaccine introduction and supervisor for integrated health campaigns.

Shamsudeen has contributed to high-impact training programs for health workers, improving immunization coverage and service delivery. His work includes supervising vaccination campaigns for polio and measles and monitoring referral network systems. His expertise in strategic planning, including Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) and sustainability strategies, strengthens the health sector's resilience.

A member of the Nigerian Association of Health Educators and the African Institute of Public Health Professionals, Shamsudeen actively participates in capacity-building workshops, seminars, and conferences. Passionate about learning and community healthcare, he is an avid reader, traveler, and reciter of the Holy Qur’an, committed to improving healthcare access.

Yahaya Abdu Bichi

Title: Accountant and Treasury Manager, Bayero University Kano
Specialization: Financial Planning, Treasury Management, and Public Sector Accounting
Role: Accounting, Financial Analysis, and Resource Management

Yahaya Abdu Bichi is a certified national accountant, professional treasury manager, and financial analyst with over two decades of experience in financial planning, accounting, and cash management. Currently serving as an Accountant at Bayero University Kano, Yahaya is instrumental in optimizing financial processes and ensuring accountability across various units and projects.

Yahaya's career spans roles in financial reconciliation, fund management, and project-based accounting. At the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), he oversees financial transactions, bank reconciliations, and loan disbursements, ensuring efficient resource utilization and compliance with financial standards.

His expertise in treasury management and financial analysis has enabled him to streamline accounting systems, develop comprehensive budgets, and enhance decision-making through accurate reporting. He has also managed financial operations for Bayero University Guest House Ltd and Vitro Health Pharmaceuticals, where he demonstrated strong leadership and financial acumen.

Yahaya is a member of prestigious professional bodies, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management in Nigeria (CITMN), and the Association of Financial Analysts of Nigeria (AFAN). He has further enriched his expertise through numerous certifications and workshops on modern public sector accounting, IPSAS, and electronic financial systems.

His contributions to public sector finance are supported by a strong academic foundation, including a Master’s in Treasury Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Finance, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bayero University Kano.

Key Technical Skills: Expertise in financial reconciliation, budget preparation, IPSAS compliance, and electronic financial systems. Skilled in resource management and financial reporting for organizational efficiency.