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Centre for Brain Health and Brain Capital Research (CBHCBR)

The Kano BRAIN Centre

A multidisciplinary research and policy centre at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Dawanau Kano, dedicated to brain health and brain capital across Africa.

Our Purpose

Advancing Brain Health, Building Brain Capital, and Transforming Lives

Every study, policy tool, and partnership at the Kano BRAIN Centre is shaped by one goal: healthier brains, stronger communities, and a Nigeria that leads Africa's brain health agenda.

Brain health research

What Drives Us

Vision & Mission

Vision

To become Africa's leading centre for Brain Health and Brain Capital research, innovation, policy, and capacity building.

Mission

To advance and promote comprehensive research, innovative solutions, and evidence-based policies that enhance brain health across all life stages in Africa — building capacity, fostering collaborations, and establishing Africa as a leader in global brain health initiatives.

Strategic Objectives

1

Conduct world-class research on brain health across the life course.

2

Develop Nigerian Brain Capital metrics and policy tools.

3

Support implementation research in mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

4

Build research capacity through training and mentorship.

5

Translate research into policy and clinical practice.

6

Foster national and international collaborations.

What We Study

Research Sections

Eight specialised sections drive the Centre's research agenda — from mental health and addiction recovery to digital brain health and AI — each translating evidence into policy and practice.

SECTION 1

Mental Health Research Unit

DepressionAnxietyPsychosisSuicide preventionPerinatal mental health
SECTION 2

Addiction and Brain Recovery Unit

Substance use disordersCognitive recoveryHarm reductionMethadone outcomesRecovery capital
SECTION 3

Cognitive Health and Dementia Unit

Alzheimer's diseaseVascular dementiaParkinson's disease dementiaMild cognitive impairmentHealthy ageing
SECTION 4

Child and Adolescent Brain Development Unit

ADHDAutismLearning disordersEarly childhood developmentSchool mental health
SECTION 5

Brain Health Systems and Policy Unit

WHO-AIMSMental Health Act implementationPrimary healthcare integrationDigital mental healthHealth economics
SECTION 6

Brain Capital and Health Economics Unit

ProductivityWorkplace mental healthDisability-adjusted life yearsCost-of-illness studiesReturn on investment in mental health
SECTION 7

Neuroepidemiology and Population Brain Health Unit

StrokeEpilepsyTraumatic brain injuryHypertension and cognitionEnvironmental determinants
SECTION 8

Digital Brain Health and AI Unit

Artificial intelligenceTelepsychiatryDigital phenotypingElectronic registriesPredictive analytics

Our People

Human Resources

AS

Professor Auwal Sani Salihu

Director

AA

Dr. Abdullahi Akilu

Deputy Director

Supported by a multidisciplinary research team

Epidemiologist
Health Economist
Neurologist
Neuropsychologist
Biostatistician
Data Scientist
Research Pharmacist
Research Nurses
Clinical Psychologist
Research Coordinators
ICT Officer
Grants Manager

Working alongside the best

Powered by world-class collaborators & partners

From leading national institutions to global health bodies, the Kano BRAIN Centre works hand-in-hand with organisations driving brain health research forward across Africa and beyond.

Bayero University Kano logo
Bayero University Kano
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital logo
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research logo
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research
World Health Organization logo
World Health Organization
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime logo
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Wellcome logo
Wellcome

Sustaining Our Research

Funding Partners

From national research funds to global philanthropic and government bodies, these partners make CBHCBR's research, training, and policy work possible.

TETFund National Research Fund logo
TETFund National Research Fund
Federal Ministry of Health logo
Federal Ministry of Health
WHO Research Grants logo
WHO Research Grants
African Academy of Sciences logo
African Academy of Sciences
UK Research and Innovation
European Union Horizon Programmes

Emergency
Medical Care 24/7 hours

With access to 24-hour emergency assistance at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Dawanau, Kano, it's paramount to us that you receive the necessary help when you need it. Please call the number below for immediate assistance

Emergency Call

Make an Enquiry