NEC Tours Yobe State University

The National Economic Council (NEC) Implementation Monitoring Committee has praised Yobe State University’s Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), describing it as one of the finest research facilities on the African continent.

The committee, during a monitoring and assessment visit to Yobe State, toured the university to inspect critical infrastructure and research facilities. The delegation was led by Dr Maina Yaumi, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning of Borno State.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Bashir Tahir, was represented by the University Librarian, Dr Amina Makintami, who conducted the team around the institution.

Speaking after the tour, Dr Yaumi expressed surprise at the quality of facilities at the university.
“We are genuinely impressed. We never expected to see what we have witnessed here. The BioRTC is exceptional – one of the best not only in Nigeria but across Africa. We have not seen anything comparable in many places we have visited,” he stated.

The committee announced plans to recommend the centre for presentation before the National Economic Council, noting that many Nigerians remain unaware of the existence of such a globally competitive research facility in Yobe State.

“We have asked the Director of BioRTC, Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, and management to prepare a proposal for the State Governor to present at NEC. Part of our assignment is to identify projects like this because many people do not know that such a facility exists in Yobe State,” Yaumi explained.

According to the committee, enhanced publicity would attract researchers, international investors, and development partners willing to support scientific research.

“This research centre can attract international funding. Our report will showcase this facility to the world, attract researchers and investors, and encourage more support for scientific research,” Yaumi added.

He further called for increased funding for research activities, emphasising that universities serve dual purposes as teaching and research institutions.

Dr Makintami was accompanied during the tour by the Registrar, Alhaji Isa Audu Dallari; Bursar, Alhaji Mala Bulama Buni; Director of Works, Bldr. Abubakar Dikko; Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Ibrahim Umar; and Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mohammed Musa.

The team inspected the University Library, the BioRTC, lecture theatres, classrooms, and other academic infrastructure.

Mr Bala Giade urged the university management to aggressively pursue external funding opportunities and improve public awareness of its achievements.

“Yobe State University needs to showcase these developments. Even some people within the academic community are unaware that facilities of this standard exist here. The management should continue submitting proposals and following them up because what we have seen deserves national and international attention,” Giade said.

The committee assured the university that its recommendations would be captured in a comprehensive report to the National Economic Council for possible intervention.

The visit is expected to strengthen advocacy for increased investment in higher education, research, innovation, and infrastructure development at Yobe State University.