Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe on Monday said the state was ready to partner with York University, United Kingdom, on biomedical research.
This is contained in a statement by Buni’s Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu.
Mohammed said through the partnership, Yobe would host the university’s fifth biomedical research centre in Africa.
“Gov. Buni gave the assurance today when he visited the University, saying the 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 for a joint 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 already awarded a N160 million contract for the construction of a dedicated site for the Biomedical Research and Training center at the State University.”
Mamman said that the governor also suggested exchange visits between teachers and students of the Universities of York and Yobe State University to improve their knowledge in research with peculiarities in the UK, Nigeria and Africa.
“We are prepared to support research to improve healthcare delivery. We are also committed to produce 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,” Mohammed quoted the governor as saying.
The media aide said Buni and his entourage were received by Prof. Peter O’Toole, a renown scientist in the institution.
“Prof. Peter O’Toole, a world renowned researcher in biomedical science, who received Gov. Buni, conducted him around the research center and introduced him to the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
“ According to Prof. Peter, the University which is renowned for academic excellence and medical research, established research centers in four African countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, kenya and Sudan with prospects to establish more.
“Gov. Buni inspected hi-tech laboratories for study and research in microscopy and ptychography for advance diagnosis of diseases and cancer cells in blood, and others,” he said.
Mohammed said Buni was accompanied by the Secretary to Yobe State Government, Baba Malam Wali, Commissioner for Health, Dr Mohammed Gana, and the Registrar, Yobe State University, Dr Kalli Yusuf-Gazalli.
Other were the Chief Medical Director, Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Goni Waru, and the Special Adviser to Buni on Science, Research and Innovation, Dr Mahmoud Bukar-Maina.
