Yobe To Partner UK Varsity On 5th Biomedical Research Hub – Gov Buni

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured authorities of York University, United Kingdom of his readiness to collaborate to make Yobe State a base for the university’s biomedical research center, the fifth in Africa.

Governor Buni who gave the assurance when he visited the university, said Yobe State is committed to joint funding opportunities, equipment upgrades, and capacity building for students, teachers, doctors, and scientists to promote study and research for service delivery in healthcare services.

He also solicited a collaboration for research in renal and sickle cell diseases to find the root causes, support patients, and possible eradication.

The governor said his government had awarded a N160 million contract for the construction of a dedicated site for the Biomedical Research and Training Center at the State University.

“Meanwhile, the government has also upgraded the temporary site for the Research center at the University for conducive teaching and research activities,” Buni said.

The governor suggested exchange visits between teachers and students of the University of York and Yobe State University to improve their knowledge in research with peculiarities in the UK and Nigeria/Africa.

“We are prepared to support research to improve healthcare delivery. We are also committed to producing the manpower needed in our institutions to feed our healthcare facilities.

“Our government, people, and the environment are all prepared for rewarding partnerships and collaboration,” Buni added.

A researcher in biomedicals, Prof Peter O’Toole who received Buni and his entourage conducted him around the research center and introduced him to the latest state-of-the-art equipment in research.

According to Prof Peter, the university established research centers in four African countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan with prospects to establish more.

Governor Buni inspected hi-tech laboratories for study and research in microscopy and lithography for advanced diagnosis of diseases and cancer cells in blood and others.

Governor Buni was accompanied by the secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali, the commissioner for health, Mohammed Lawan Gana, the registrar of Yobe State University, Kalli Yusuf Gazalli, and the chief medical director of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Goni Baba Waru.