Yobe State's Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has inaugurated the permanent site of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) located at Yobe State University in Damaturu.
The BioRTC is intended to enhance capabilities in the field of biomedical sciences, foster innovative research, and establish Yobe State University as a center for knowledge sharing and international collaborations.
During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Buni revealed that the Yobe State government allocated over N800 million towards the development of this permanent BioRTC facility.
The governor emphasized that this center represents a significant scientific resource that will enable research that is both inclusive and relevant to local conditions.
He pointed out that Africa has historically depended on medical research conducted under conditions that may not reflect its unique climates, cultures, and genetics.
Reiterating his administration's commitment to addressing kidney-related health issues, Governor Buni mentioned that the state has been providing dialysis support and plans to set up another dialysis center in Gashua this year to alleviate the difficulties of lengthy travel for patients.
He further announced that BioRTC has successfully trained over 1,000 individuals from Yobe State, Nigeria, and other parts of Africa through summer programs, workshops, and international training initiatives, all fully backed by the state government.
In addition to this, the governor presented scholarship awards and a N30 million cash prize to three Yobe natives—Nafisa Abdullahi, Hadiza Kashim Kalli, and Rukayya Mohammed Fema—who triumphed in the TeenEagle 2025 competition held in London, United Kingdom.
The students from Nigerian Tulip International College emerged as the best among more than 20,000 participants from 69 nations, demonstrating remarkable talent and innovation.
Governor Buni granted full government scholarships to the three champions up to the tertiary level, along with a N10 million award each, in acknowledgment of their exceptional achievements. He stated that their success showcases his administration's continuous investment in the education sector.
Moreover, he disclosed that the state government allocates over N2.6 billion each year on scholarships for 890 students enrolled at Nigerian Tulip International College, including the three awardees.
Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina, the Founder and Director of BioRTC, indicated that the center has received equipment donations valued at over N10 billion, setting a strong foundation for its research activities.
Previously, Professor Amadi O. Ihunwo from the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) remarked that BioRTC boasts state-of-the-art research facilities, which are rarely accessible at many African universities, equipped for cellular and molecular biology, imaging, and neuroscience exploration.
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