Buni commissions N800m biomedical research centre at Yobe varsity, announces new dialysis facility
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Thursday inaugurated the permanent site of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University, Damaturu, describing the facility as a major boost to medical research and innovation in the state.
The governor disclosed that the state government invested over ₦800 million in the construction of the centre, noting that it is part of efforts to position Yobe State University as a leading hub for biomedical research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Buni said the BioRTC was established to strengthen capacity in biomedical sciences, support advanced research, and address gaps in Africa’s medical research ecosystem. He stressed the need for research that reflects Africa’s unique environments, cultures, and genetic diversity.
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“For too long, Africa has depended on medical research conducted in different climates and lifestyles, often without adequate consideration for our peculiar realities,” the governor said, adding that the new centre would promote accurate, inclusive, and locally relevant research to tackle African health challenges.
Governor Buni also announced plans to establish an additional dialysis centre in Gashua before the end of the year, explaining that the project would significantly reduce the hardship faced by kidney patients who travel long distances to access treatment.
“We remain committed to supporting dialysis services, and the new centre in Gashua will ease the burden on patients in that axis,” he stated.
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The governor further revealed that over 1,000 participants from Yobe State, across Nigeria, and other African countries have benefited from BioRTC’s training programmes, including summer schools and workshops, all fully funded by the state government.
At the event, Buni announced a ₦30 million cash award and full government scholarships for three Yobe indigenes who emerged winners at the TeenEagle 2025 competition held in London, United Kingdom. The beneficiaries, Nafisa Abdullahi, Hadiza Kashim Kalli, and Rukayya Mohammed Fema, students of Nigerian Tulip International College, reportedly outperformed more than 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.
Each of the students received ₦10 million and a scholarship covering their education up to the tertiary level.
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“Their achievement underscores our sustained investment in education and human capital development,” the governor said, adding that the state currently spends over ₦2.6 billion annually on scholarships for 890 students at Nigerian Tulip International College.
Earlier, the Founder and Director of BioRTC, Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, disclosed that the centre has attracted equipment donations valued at over ₦10 billion, providing a strong foundation for cutting-edge biomedical research.
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