By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The Yobe Government has commended the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), Yobe State University, for its contributions to biomedical research, capacity building and international scientific collaboration.
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, gave the commendation while receiving a delegation of international scientists, and faculty members participating in the Combined 6th BioRTC Summer School and 2nd Computational Neuroscience Course 2026.
Gov. Mai Mala Buni, appreciated the Centre’s international partners for their continued collaboration, describing their participation as a demonstration of commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
He commended the Founder and Director of BioRTC, Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, for his leadership in advancing scientific research in the state.
According to him, the Centre’s programmes have attracted researchers and resource persons from the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Japan, France, Spain, Switzerland and several African countries, positioning Yobe as an emerging hub for biomedical research.
He added that the establishment of a permanent BioRTC facility at Yobe State University would further strengthen research, innovation and human capacity development in the state.
Earlier, Maina said the Centre had trained more than 1,000 researchers, academics, professionals and students through workshops, fellowships, summer schools and other specialised training programmes since its establishment.
He said BioRTC was created to develop scientists with advanced skills in biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence and computational research to address emerging health challenges.
Maina also disclosed that the Centre’s kidney disease research project in Bade Emirate was nearing completion and was expected to provide insights into tackling kidney-related health challenges in the area.
“Our greatest achievement is the human capital we continue to develop. Our goal is to nurture future scientists and researchers who will make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Head of the School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, United Kingdom, Prof. Miguel Maravall, said the summer school had continued to provide participants with advanced scientific knowledge, practical skills and international networking opportunities.
Maravall said the programme had strengthened regional and international collaboration while building the capacity of young researchers across Nigeria and West Africa.
He noted that the participation of researchers and facilitators from different countries reflected BioRTC’s growing reputation as a centre for biomedical research and scientific training in Africa.