Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yibala Oboma | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, Mwanza University, Tanzania

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at Mwanza University, Tanzania. With over 12 years of experience in medical education and research, he specializes in histopathology, cytopathology, molecular techniques, and epidemiology. Dr. Oboma holds a PhD in Histopathology/Cytopathology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, and has held academic positions at Niger Delta University, Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. His research interests include cervical cancer, hepatotoxicity, and the therapeutic potentials of medicinal plants. Dr. Oboma is committed to advancing public health through innovative education and impactful research.

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Education

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in medical laboratory sciences and pathology. He earned his PhD in Histopathology/Cytopathology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2019, focusing on cervical human papillomavirus detection and immune response evaluation. Prior to that, he obtained a Master of Science in Histopathology/Cytology from Igbinedion University, Okada, in 2012, where his thesis addressed the prevalence of cervical HPV among women in Bayelsa State. His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences with a specialization in Histopathology, was completed at the University of Calabar in 2006. Dr. Oboma further enhanced his expertise with certifications in Leadership and Management in Health and Epidemiology and Research from Washington University, USA, in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He is also a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.​

Professional Experience

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma has a distinguished career in academia and medical laboratory science. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at Mwanza University, Tanzania, where he also holds the position of Associate Dean in the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. Previously, he held various academic roles at Niger Delta University in Nigeria, including Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer I, and Lecturer II, specializing in Histopathology/Cytopathology. Dr. Oboma has also served as Principal Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Department of Anatomical Pathology at the same institution. His international experience includes a sabbatical leave at Madonna University in Nigeria. He has contributed to the academic community as an external examiner for multiple universities and has been actively involved in curriculum development and research supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.​

Research Focus

Dr. Yibala Ibor Oboma’s research focuses on the intersection of pathology, molecular biology, and public health. His work primarily addresses the epidemiology and molecular characterization of cervical cancer, particularly the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in its pathogenesis. Dr. Oboma has also investigated the hepatoprotective effects of various medicinal plants, exploring their potential in mitigating liver damage induced by toxins such as carbon tetrachloride. His research extends to the biochemical composition of natural substances, aiming to identify therapeutic agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Oboma’s studies contribute to the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of alternative treatment options, with implications for public health strategies in Africa. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with several of his works being widely cited in the scientific community.​

Publication Top Notes

1. Toxicological studies on the aqueous leaf extract of Pavetta crassipes (K. Schum) in rodents
   Authors: MW Bariweni, OI Yibala, RI Ozolua
   Journal: Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research, 6(1), 1-16
   Year: 2018
   Summary: This study investigates the toxicological profile of Pavetta crassipes leaf extract in rodents, providing insights into its safety and potential therapeutic applications.​

2. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin leaf and stem extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity
   Authors: LL Nwidu, E Elmorsy, YI Oboma, WG Carter
   Journal: Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 13(3), 262-271
   Year: 2018
   Summary: The research explores the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Spondias mombin extracts, highlighting their potential in combating liver toxicity.​

3. Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) pulp extract mitigates rifampicin-isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in an in vivo rat model of oxidative stress
   Authors: LL Nwidu, YI Oboma
   Journal: Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(1), 46-56
   Year: 2019
   Summary: This study examines the protective effects of Telfairia occidentalis pulp extract against drug-induced liver damage, suggesting its therapeutic potential.​

4. Knowledge and practice of breast cancer self-examination among female students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria
   Authors: FM Onyije, VC Zenebo, YI Oboma
   Journal: Continental Journal of Biomedical Sciences, 4, 75-82
   Year: 2010
   Summary: The paper assesses the awareness and practices related to breast cancer self-examination among Nigerian female students, emphasizing the need for educational interventions.​

5. Hepatoprotective effect of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Musanga cecropioides (Urticaceae) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and oxidative stress
   Authors: LL Nwidu, YI Oboma, E Elmorsy, WG Carter
   Journal: Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 13(4), 344-354
   Year: 2018
   Summary: This research investigates the hepatoprotective effects of Musanga cecropioides leaf extract,