Professor Jim Monday Banda, MSc, PhD, FWAPCMLS, FMLSCN, FPHPMLS, AMLSCN is a distinguished Professor of Immunology and the current Head, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Academic Background
Professor Banda holds a PhD in Immunology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree in Basic Medical Science (Immunology) from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He is a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, and the PEPFAR Health Professional Medical Laboratory Scientists program.
Research Interests
- Immunology of pregnancy and maternal health
- Cytokine biology and T-lymphocyte subpopulations
- Viral immunology and transfusion-transmissible infections
- Host-pathogen interactions in tuberculosis, HIV, and viral hepatitis
- Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship in clinical practice
Breakthroughs & Contributions
- Pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoprotein research: Pioneering studies on its role in eclampsia and maternal immune regulation.
- Cytokine profiling in pregnancy complications: Advanced understanding of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in maternal health.
- Blood safety research: Documented seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible viral pathogens among blood donors in Nigeria.
- Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection studies: Provided critical insights into immunological markers in vulnerable populations.
- Community health impact: Contributed to national health policy through participation in drafting NHIS Standard Treatment Guidelines and referral protocols.
Selected Publications
Professor Banda has authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles and two books, including:
- Pregnancy Specific Beta-1 Glycoprotein in Women with Eclampsia (Open Journal of Immunology, 2015).
- T Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Normal Pregnancies and Those Complicated by Eclampsia (Open Journal of Immunology, 2016).
- Maternal Anti-Human Papillomavirus Immunoglobulin-G Antibody Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic (Journal of Cell and Biotechnology, 2020).
- Serological Evidence of Hepatitis B Virus Among Secondary School Students in Plateau State (African Journal of Biology and Medical Research, 2023).
- T Lymphocyte Subpopulations, Cytokines and Pregnancy Specific Beta-1 Glycoprotein in Eclampsia (Book, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2021).
Honors & Recognition
- Best Young Researcher Award – 7th World Congress on Healthcare & Technologies, London, 2016
- Certificate of Recognition – 3rd World Congress on Biotherapeutics and Bioanalytical Techniques, Dallas, 2017.
- International Publication Honor – IOSCR, 2016
Teaching & Mentorship
Professor Banda has taught and supervised undergraduate, postgraduate, and fellowship students in immunology, microbiology, and medical laboratory science. He has supervised numerous MSc, PhD, and fellowship theses across Nigerian universities and professional colleges.
Professional Memberships
- Nigerian Society for Immunology
- South African Immunology Society
- Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria
- Bioethics Society of Nigeria
- Nigerian Society for Microbiology