Most neurological disorders underdiagnosed in Nigeria, stronger healthcare needed for patients —Moses Ataben, neuroscientist, US-based scholar

Moses Ataben is pursuing a neuroscience PhD at the University of Missouri–Columbia in the United States. Backed by competitive grants and scholarships, he has developed an outstanding international academic profile. His current research focuses on investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, with an emphasis on translational approaches for early diagnosis. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, he speaks about his studentship, work, and life in the US.

Your academic journey in science demonstrates outstanding capability. What sparked your passion for neuroscience and shaped your path?

My interest in science has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the nervous system and how neurons make everything we do possible. That spark probably started with stories from my father and stayed with me through my undergraduate studies in Anatomy at the University of Uyo in Nigeria.

Things opened up when I received the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship — a very competitive EU-funded programme. I studied Human Disease Models and Morphological Phenotyping across several universities in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, and that experience really deepened my interest in neuroscience, especially in how it’s connected to diseases.

After that, I was awarded the JAE Intro to Research Fellowship by the Spanish National Research Council and trained at the Cajal Institute in Madrid, which is one of the top neuroscience centres globally. Right now, I’m pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I’m continuing to build on those experiences and focus on making meaningful contributions to the field.

How do you connect different areas, methodologies, or levels of analysis in anatomy, disease models, and neuroscience to tackle complex research questions in the field?

For me, studying neuroscience is about connecting the dots across different layers of biology. I’ve always been fascinated by how the nervous system works — how neurons, these tiny but powerful cells, are behind everything from thoughts and emotions to movement and memory. My background in anatomy gave me a solid foundation for understanding the structure of the nervous system, which is crucial because structure and function in the brain are so tightly linked.

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As I got deeper into research, I became especially interested in what happens when things go wrong. Using disease models, I’ve been able to explore how these structures break down and what that reveals about the root causes of neurological disorders.

What draws me to neuroscience is exactly that it ties everything together — the structural insights from anatomy, the functional disruptions seen in disease, and the broader understanding of how the brain works in health and illness. That kind of big-picture thinking really motivates me — combining different approaches to better understand the brain and hopefully help make a difference when something goes wrong.

Why should common people, especially Nigerians, care about neuroscience? 

Neurological disorders are a major global health concern. They affect the nervous system, which controls virtually everything our bodies do. So when something goes wrong with it, the effects can be widespread and serious. That’s why these conditions should matter to everyone.

What prevalent neurological disorders are common in Nigeria, and how can they be managed?

In Nigeria, for example, some of the most common neurological disorders include stroke and different types of peripheral neuropathy. These conditions can have a huge impact on individuals and their families. But, unfortunately, they are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which only adds to the burden and highlights the urgent need for better awareness and stronger healthcare systems.

Treating these disorders typically involves both immediate care and long-term rehabilitation. That’s where neuroscience research plays a crucial role. It helps us improve diagnostic tools, develop more effective treatments, and design better strategies for managing these conditions, not just in Nigeria but globally.

When you say disease modelling, what do you mean? Use a typical neurological disease to explain how such a disease could be modelled.

When I discuss disease modelling, I refer to the use of tools such as cell cultures or animal models to create simplified versions of diseases outside the human body for research purposes. These systems allow us to study how a disease develops and progresses in a controlled environment, which is incredibly valuable. They help us explore the underlying mechanisms and safely test new treatments before moving to human studies.

Tell us about your PhD work, the problems it is meant to solve, and the possible findings from it.

My PhD research investigates inherited peripheral neuropathies-genetic disorders that damage the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs, which are important for sensation, movement and other vital functions.

I’m particularly interested in how damage to glial cells — especially Schwann cells, which support nerve cells in the limbs — disrupts normal nerve function in people with these inherited disorders. My work looks at the cellular and molecular changes behind this damage. The goal is to better understand what keeps peripheral nerves healthy and, hopefully, identify new ways to treat or manage these conditions more effectively.

What do you think is the latest innovative research in neuroscience, and what hope do you think the product of this research holds for people suffering from neurological diseases and the healthcare sector generally?

I think some of the most exciting research in neuroscience today is happening where powerful technologies come together, like advanced genomic tools, artificial intelligence, and high-resolution imaging techniques. These tools are really changing the game because they let us explore the brain and neurological disorders in ways that weren’t possible before.

For patients, that means real hope. We’re talking about earlier and more accurate diagnoses, and the possibility of treatments that are much more personalised and effective. And, from a broader perspective, these advances also help make healthcare systems more efficient and speed up the discovery of entirely new therapies.

Altogether, I think they are transforming how we understand, diagnose, and treat nervous system disorders, not just in labs but also in real-world clinical settings.

Some people believe that with the power of the subconscious mind, faith in health, and natural living, all diseases could be cured without orthodox medical interventions. Do you believe this? 

That’s a common belief, and while I completely acknowledge the role of things like the subconscious mind, faith, and healthy living in supporting overall well-being and the immune system, I still believe that conventional medical treatments are usually essential to address the actual biological causes of disease.

How would you medically explain how two people with almost the same genetic makeup suffer the same degree of illness, yet one dies from the illness, while the other person gets cured?

As for why two people with nearly identical genetics might respond differently to the same illness, it highlights that genetics alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Outcomes are shaped by a complex mix of factors such as lifestyle, environment, pre-existing health conditions, immune history, and even subtle differences in gene expression. All of these elements interact with a person’s genetic background and can influence how a disease develops or progresses. That’s why two people with similar genes can have very different experiences when facing the same condition.

What other kinds of activities keep you busy outside of your academic and research life? Are you involved in things like community work, social groups, teaching, or maybe even local business?

While academic work and research can be intense, I think it’s really important to maintain a healthy balance by doing things outside the lab. Whenever I have the opportunity, I enjoy getting involved in community work, especially projects that aim to improve lives and promote good health.

For Nigerians striving to study in the US, what is your best advice on perseverance? And reflecting on your own journey, what key lesson from a challenge would you share to help them navigate difficulties?

Honestly, I know how tough it can be. I’ve faced rejections, and I understand what it feels like to keep trying. But I’ve also learned to see setbacks not as dead ends, but as opportunities to grow. With each attempt, I gain experience, learn something new, and keep moving forward—and that is what keeps me going.