Heart for homeland
Dr. Ben Kalu returns to Nigeria in attempt to find cancer cure
Dr. Ben Kalu, an assistant professor in Liberty University’s Department of Biology & Chemistry, spent Christmas break researching, teaching and training at Abia State
University in Uturu, Nigeria.
Research— Over Christmas break, Dr. Ben Kalu worked with scientists at Abia State University taking samples from breast cancer victims. Photo provided
Kalu was selected for the second round of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, which awarded 33 scholars an opportunity to travel to their native African countries to research, teach or train in a variety of fields.
“It’s a huge privilege, and I’m extremely grateful to the Carnegie foundation,” Kalu said.
He is also appreciative of his department, especially to Dr. David DeWitt for his support and supplies and his colleagues for their ideas, support and prayers.
Kalu has always had a heart for his homeland. He received his medical training from Abia State University. He knew from experience the difficulties faced by medical
professionals in Nigeria.
During his trip, Kalu collected breast tissue samples and made arrangements to continue receiving samples in order to study breast cancer. He will be able to analyze the samples when he has collected a substantial amount.
Kalu chose to study breast cancer because of the high mortality rate of 13.16 deaths per 1,000 people in Nigeria, which is higher than that of the U.S. at 8.15 deaths per 1,000 people, according to the CIA. Kalu suspects this has to do with Nigerian doctors’ solely clinical treatment methods that only treat symptoms without actually helping the cancer.
“Medical education in Nigeria is majorly clinical,” Kalu said. “These days, the medical trend is to combine clinical competence with the biomedical research because it gives a better picture of what you are looking at.”
Knowing that the clinical aspect only deals with the apparent problem and does not address the root of the problem, Kalu taught medical students biomedical research techniques and discussed these techniques with resident doctors there.
He was able to build relationships with people in Nigeria that will allow him to continue researching and enable students to study abroad. Kalu also gave free medical care and shared the gospel with approximately 200 patients.
“My goal of the whole project was to set something in motion,” Kalu said.
Kalu discussed exchange programs for Nigerian students to come to Liberty and learn biomedical techniques and utilize the advanced equipment. This would increase Liberty’s international influence by spreading medical knowledge and the gospel.
Kalu said that it would also be beneficial for Liberty students to travel to Nigeria to learn. For example, Nigeria is very good with tropical medicine, according to Kalu.
“This is just like a stepping stone, a doorway to a more serious engagement,” Kalu said. “The possibilities are great, both for medical education in Nigeria and for Liberty as well.”
Kalu’s biggest concern was how he would be received in Nigeria, but a warm reception awaited him. The students were enthusiastic, inquisitive and appreciative.
“It was very inspiring for the students, for them to know that this guy was once here and learned under these harsh conditions and to see what progress he’s made,” Kalu said. “It opened their eyes to what they could do.”
Kalu noted that this is an ongoing process, but he has established a protocol for obtaining the tissue samples and has built valuable relationships. He is optimistic and excited about what the Lord will continue to do through this opportunity.
GLOSSNER is a feature reporter.