The Yobe State Government has approved full sponsorship for 16 medical lecturers of Yobe State University (YSU) to pursue postgraduate studies in critical basic medical science disciplines as part of a strategic intervention by Governor Mai Mala Buni to strengthen medical education, secure full accreditation for the University’s medical programmes, and improve healthcare delivery in the state.
A statement signed by Abdulmumeen Kolo Gulani,Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Yobe State University said the intervention is aimed at enhancing the academic capacity of the University’s College of Medical Sciences and meeting the accreditation requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Under the initiative, the lecturers will undertake Master’s degree programmes with prospects for progression to PhD studies in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology; key disciplines that form the foundation of modern medical education.
The sponsorship is expected to address critical manpower needs in the College of Medical Sciences by producing highly qualified academics capable of advancing teaching, research and innovation while strengthening the University’s capacity to train future medical professionals.
The first batch of sponsored lecturers was accompanied by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Muhammad Bello Kawuwa, the Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University, Professor Muhammad Bashir Tahir, and the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Professor Garba Mohammed Ashiru, demonstrating the collective commitment of the government and the university to the success of the programme.
During the visit to Integral University, Lucknow, India, discussions also focused on expanding academic cooperation beyond medical education to include agriculture, engineering and technological development through staff and student exchange programmes, joint research, curriculum development and the sharing of international best practices.
The intervention is widely seen as part of Governor Buni’s broader commitment to human capital development and the transformation of Yobe State into a knowledge-driven economy through sustained investment in higher education.
In the meantime, the Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University, Professor Muhammad Bashir Tahir, said the initiative would significantly strengthen the University’s drive towards attaining and sustaining full medical accreditation while positioning its College of Medical Sciences as an emerging centre of excellence in medical education, research and healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.
Professor Tahir commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for prioritising the health and education sectors, describing the intervention as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to human capital development and the long-term advancement of healthcare and higher education in Yobe State.
