Yobe Gov Unveils Biomedical Research Centre To Tackle Diseases

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has commissioned a Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) in Damaturu, marking a major push to strengthen research into kidney disease, dementia and other mental health challenges prevalent across Africa.

Speaking at the inauguration of the center in Damaturu, Governor Buni said it would help reposition Africa from being a consumer of foreign-developed medicines to a producer of home-grown solutions.

He said many drugs used on the continent were developed elsewhere without adequate consideration for African genetic and environmental realities.

The governor said the BioRTC would promote Pan-African research narratives and support the development of medications tailored to diseases common in African countries.

According to him, the centre would serve as a hub for innovation, training and collaboration among scientists across the continent.

Governor Buni also assured residents of his administration’s commitment to improving kidney care, announcing plans to establish a kidney dialysis centre in Gashua.

He seek federal support for the establishment of a full-fledged kidney treatment centre in Yobe State.

The governor announced that dialysis treatment would be provided free of charge to citizens, describing access to healthcare as a right, not a privilege.

He added that investment in biomedical research was not only about health but also about economic growth, job creation and positioning Yobe as a centre of scientific excellence in the world.

Earlier, the director of the centre, Prof. Mahmood Maina, commended Governor Buni for backing the BioRTC project at a time when other states, including Lagos and Gombe, failed to provide funding support.

Prof. Maina appealed to the state government to approve the recruitment of additional personnel to meet the growing research and training demands of the centre.

He also requested the construction of a lodge to accommodate visiting scientists and researchers.

He disclosed that the BioRTC had already commenced a postgraduate programme in neurological science in partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, describing it as a significant step toward building local expertise in brain and mental health research.