TribesAndHistory: What is your name?

Favour: My name is Favour Akabogu.

TribesAndHistory: How can readers connect with you? LinkedIn, Instagram, personal website?

Favour: You can connect with me through LinkedIn. You can also reach out on Instagram, but LinkedIn is the best platform to find me.

TribesAndHistory: Favour, can you tell us what you do?

Favour: I’m currently a third-year PhD candidate at UMass Medical School, where I study cancer. Specifically, I focus on a type of sarcoma called gastrointestinal stromal tumors, or GIST for short. I’m passionate about understanding diseases and using that knowledge to formulate new therapeutics and improve disease management.

TribesAndHistory: Can you give us a little more detail about GIST?

Favour: Sure! Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common type of cancer originating from the mesenchyme. We believe they arise from a specific type of cell called interstitial cells of Cajal, which are responsible for gut motility—the process that moves food through the digestive system. This cell type enables peristalsis, the wave-like motion that moves food from the esophagus to the anus.

Since these cells are distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, GIST can originate anywhere along it. Unlike other gastric tumors, GIST has this distinct connection to the interstitial cells of Cajal and is classified as a mesenchymal tumor.

One challenge in the field is that while we currently use a class of drugs called inhibitors to treat GIST, patients with advanced disease often develop resistance to these treatments. My work focuses on understanding the biology of this disease further, with the goal of finding new treatments that can complement existing therapies.

TribesAndHistory: What inspired you to pursue this career and undertake a PhD to study this?

Favour: I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and understanding how it works—how we grow, digest food, and function overall. That curiosity, combined with my experiences growing up in Nigeria, motivated me.

As a child, I fell sick often and sometimes received incorrect diagnoses or no treatment at all due to the poor healthcare system. These experiences inspired me to become a medical doctor to help improve healthcare in my community. However, during my journey, I was exposed to research, which opened new doors for me. I realized the power of science and discovery in improving patient care.

This realization led me to pivot from solely becoming a doctor to focusing on translational research. I wanted to be at the cutting edge of science and innovation—not just diagnosing problems but developing new treatments. My ultimate goal has always been to serve my community and make a tangible impact on healthcare.

TribesAndHistory: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped the leader you are today?

Favour: One transformative experience was dealing with poor mentorship early in my career. My mentor at the time wasn’t meeting my needs, and it made me reflect on what effective mentorship should look like.

A leader, especially in a mentoring role, should understand their mentee’s unique needs and adapt their approach accordingly. Everyone learns and expresses themselves differently, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all template for mentorship. That experience taught me the importance of being a supportive, adaptable mentor who empowers others to achieve their goals. It also reinforced my belief that leadership is about fostering trust and creating opportunities for others to grow.

TribesAndHistory: How has your African heritage shaped your leadership and career?

Favour: Growing up in Nigeria, there was a strong emphasis on success. You were expected to excel as a doctor, lawyer, or engineer—anything less was considered failure. This environment instilled in me a competitive spirit and a belief that I could achieve anything if I worked hard enough. My parents and teachers would often say, “This person achieved it, so why can’t you?” That mindset pushed me to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

This cultural upbringing gave me resilience and determination. Even on difficult days, I remind myself that I have what it takes to succeed because I’ve seen others do it. It’s a huge blessing to have grown up in a culture that encourages perseverance and celebrates excellence.

TribesAndHistory: What role does culture play in your career, leadership style, and decision-making process?

Favour: My culture places a strong emphasis on community and paving the way for others. This has shaped me to always look for opportunities to give back and mentor those coming after me. I believe success isn’t just about individual achievement but about uplifting others and creating a legacy.

There’s a saying in my culture: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This philosophy has influenced how I build relationships and make decisions. I prioritize surrounding myself with the right community—people who inspire and support me—and I strive to be that support for others as well. Community is strength, and it’s a core part of my leadership style.

TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans?

Favour: I want to show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to because I did. I hope to create a mentoring agency dedicated to helping people in STEM access opportunities and resources.

I also want to instill a mindset of perseverance and self-belief. No matter where you start from, you can achieve greatness. My journey is proof of that. I’ve faced challenges but kept moving forward, and I want my story to inspire others to do the same.

TribesAndHistory: What about your heritage makes you proud?

Favour: Oh, so much! Being Nigerian makes me incredibly proud. We excel in everything we do, whether it’s Afrobeat music, colorful culture, or groundbreaking achievements in science. Nigerians have this remarkable ability to create legacies and leave their mark, and that fills me with pride every single day.

TribesAndHistory: Any last words of wisdom?

Favour: Don’t see your beginning as a limitation. Instead, let it be your motivation to achieve whatever you want. You can do it—just stay persistent and keep moving forward.

TribesAndHistory: Well, that brings us to the end of our interview.

Favour: Thank you so much!