The year 2025 began on a magnificent note for six Nigerian scientists and engineers in the United States, as they were recognised by then U.S. President, Joe Biden, with the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This distinguished honour, the highest bestowed by the U.S. government on emerging leaders in science and engineering, celebrates ground-breaking research with global impact.
Among the notable recipients was Prof. Azeez Butali, a professor of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine at the University of Iowa. He was honoured for his pioneering advancements in the genetics of cleft lip and palate, particularly in African populations.
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital anomalies worldwide, causing difficulties in feeding, speech, and overall quality of life. While surgery remains the primary treatment, Butali’s work is shedding light on genetic predispositions, opening doors for improved prevention, early diagnosis, and personalised interventions. His work has not only reshaped the understanding of these conditions but has also provided hope to countless families worldwide.
With numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) and foundation grants backing his studies, Butali’s work has led to significant breakthroughs in identifying genetic variants associated with these conditions. His research extends beyond the laboratory, influencing policies, improving access to treatment, and addressing the social and psychological challenges faced by affected families. His contributions have positioned him as the world’s leading expert in the genetics of cleft lip and palate among African populations, a distinction that highlights the far-reaching impact of his work.
A journey rooted in discipline and diligence
Born in Nigeria in the 1970s, Butali grew as the first son of a disciplinarian mother and a mentoring father who was the first to call him “professor” at the age of 10. He was raised to develop a keen sense of responsibility and the passion to make a difference, leading to his becoming a laboratory prefect in secondary school.
Butali’s early interest in dentistry led him to the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (1995-2000). His encounter with a child suffering from cleft lip and palate during his internship at a general hospital in Lagos ignited his passion for researching the genetic factors underlying the condition.
Determined to deepen his understanding, Butali pursued a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at the University of Dundee in Scotland (2006-2010), which is also a WHO Collaborating Centre for Craniofacial anomalies (CFA). Encouraged by his mentor, Professor Peter Mossey, he embarked on a mission to establish a similar research framework in Africa, laying the foundation for his future contributions to global health.
Butali went on to establish 11 research centres across Nigeria to collect data and DNA samples from individuals affected by cleft conditions. These samples were sent to the University of Iowa, where, as a visiting scholar, he worked with Professor Jeff Murray, a leading expert in craniofacial genetics. Their collaboration led to the discovery of the first genetic variant for nonsyndromic clefting in an African population—a major breakthrough in the field.
Following his PhD, Butali accepted a postdoctoral position at the University of Iowa, where he expanded his research to identify additional genetic abnormalities linked to cleft lip and palate. His studies on the genes PAX7 and VAX1 confirmed their role in facial development and provided deeper insights into the genetic causes of these conditions.
Later, with a certificate in Genetics and Genomics from Stanford University (2014-2016) and with funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), he extended his research to Ghana and Ethiopia, leading one of the first genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on cleft lip and palate in African populations.
Strengthening research capacity in Africa
Understanding that sustainable scientific advancement requires local expertise, Butali has dedicated significant efforts to training and capacity building in Africa. As the director of the African Craniofacial Anomalies Network (AfriCRAN), he collaborates with scientists and clinicians in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda. Through AfriCRAN, he has facilitated knowledge transfer and the development of research infrastructure, ensuring that African scientists contribute to and benefit from global genomic research.
Additionally, he has trained speech screeners and neonatal intensive care specialists, improving healthcare for children with cleft conditions. By equipping local professionals with the skills and resources needed for diagnosis and treatment, Butali is ensuring that his work has a lasting impact on healthcare systems in Africa.
Beyond genetics, Butali is deeply committed to addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic studies in African populations. One of his major findings revealed that over 2 per cent of participants in his studies had actionable incidental genetic findings. However, only a small percentage of clinicians were equipped to communicate these results effectively to patients.
He also discovered that many patients preferred to discuss genetic findings with religious leaders and community elders rather than healthcare providers. Recognising the importance of community engagement, he has worked to educate and involve these gatekeepers, ensuring that scientific advancements are understood and accepted at the grassroots level.
To further explore the societal impact of cleft conditions, Butali pioneered the PhotoVoice project, an initiative that allows caregivers to share their experiences through photography. This project has provided invaluable insights into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by families of children with cleft conditions. By highlighting issues such as domestic violence, stigma, and mental health struggles, the initiative has helped shape new approaches to holistic patient care.
Present focus and philanthropic efforts
Butali continues to push the boundaries of craniofacial research, publish ground-breaking findings on incidental genomic discoveries and healthcare providers’ readiness to return genetic results. His ongoing initiatives aim to ensure that genetic research translates into meaningful healthcare improvements for affected individuals and their families.
Beyond research, Butali has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact through the Azeez Butali Foundation. The foundation provides zero-interest loans to Nigerian women entrepreneurs, with a goal of empowering 1,000 women within five years. Through a revolving loan system, nearly 80 women have already benefited from financial support, enabling them to grow their businesses and achieve economic independence.
The foundation also supports healthcare initiatives, such as funding medical equipment for women’s health centres. Additionally, it offers annual scholarships to orphans, ensuring that disadvantaged students have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Butali is also an active member and immediate past president of My Schools Reconnect, a community-based organisation of old students who attended primary schools in Aguda, Coker, Ijeshatedo, and Surulere areas of Lagos. The organisation focuses on improving literacy and promoting educational initiatives. It specifically supports schools through infrastructure projects such as renovating facilities, providing generators, restocking libraries and sponsoring competitions.
Awards and recognitions
Professor Butali’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades. Aside from the historic PECASE recognition, he has received the University of Iowa’s Inventor Award, the Leadership in Research Award, the SCADA Faculty Adviser Award, and inclusion in Iowa’s 2017 Dare to Discover campaign. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Academy of Medical Specialties of Nigeria, and the International College of Dentists.
In 2023, Prof. Butali was named the Gilbert E. Lilly Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa, making him the 23rd faculty member to receive the prestigious honour. Endorsing the endowment, Prof. Trishul Allareddy, head of the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, enthused: “Prof. Azeez Butali exemplifies the pinnacle of research excellence and is most deserving of being endowed as the Gilbert E. Lily Professor of Diagnostic Sciences. His work not only uncovers profound insights but also paves the way for transformative innovations. Through his dedication, he bridges gaps in understanding, setting a gold standard for scholars everywhere and in his journey he has laid the seeds for multiple scholars in his lab.”
