From the Sahel to the World: Are the eyes of global science now on Yobe?, by Abubakar M. Kareto
It’s one thing to hear about development; it’s another to see it! Watching this video of the BioRTC in Damaturu makes me incredibly proud.
No doubt, it is pleasing to know that Yobe State is home to one of Nigeria’s most advanced and specialised medical research facilities, known as the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC).
The world-class centre, located in Damaturu was inaugurated in January 2026, specialising in neuroscience, infectious diseases, and chronic kidney disease. This centre is equipped with Nigeria’s first laser scanning confocal microscope. The centre houses equipment valued at over ₦10 billion. Researchers from numerous states in Nigeria and surrounding African nations have been able to conduct top-tier medical research thanks to this medical research centre.
Putting such ambitious projects definitely cannot be achieved without the involvement, commitment and determination of Governor Mai Mala Buni and Prof. Bukar Maina, the pioneer and the current Director of the Centre.
READ ALSO: Buni commissions N800m biomedical research centre at Yobe varsity, announces new dialysis facility
Governor Mai Mala Buni always values merit and the unlocking of young talents, as exemplified by his collaboration with Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina. His singular focus has reversed “brain drain”, enabling a UK-established scientist, Bukar Maina, to return and establish a world-class research facility in Yobe, transforming it into a regional research hub attracting international scientists. This isn’t just hype but rather unprecedented success achieved.
Major breakthroughs at the centre are, for example, in public health, the discovery of scientific evidence linking CKD to water/soil toxins in Gashua. In Technology, it provides the first-ever confocal microscopy services in a Nigerian university. In education, the centre has trained over 1,000 scientists from across Africa in advanced bioimaging. Once more, the centre has given the Yobe community a chance to acquire international recognition and established Yobe as the Francis Crick Institute’s (UK) principal partner.
Lastly, indeed, the BioRTC isn’t just a Nigerian lab; it is a global powerhouse solving African health mysteries from the heart of Northern Nigeria and is a testament to what happens when political will meets scientific excellence. In Nigeria, we can achieve miracles with appropriate leadership in place. Kudos to Governor Mai Mala and Prof. Bukar Maina.
Abubakar M. Kareto is a Public Affairs Analyst.
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