The Biomedical Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), Yobe State University, Damaturu, recently hosted a high-level resource verification visit from a delegation of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) as part of the process for affiliation of M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Neuroscience.
During the visit, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Baba Malam Wali, reaffirmed the Yobe State Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting BioRTC in its mission to become a world-class centre for medical research, innovation, and training.
He noted that under the leadership of His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, the government has continuously nurtured BioRTC to drive excellence in biomedical research and postgraduate training. Malam Wali also highlighted ongoing landmark projects at the Centre, including kidney disease research and dementia studies, as evidence of BioRTC’s growing impact on health research and development in the state and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the Director and Founder of BioRTC, Prof. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, the Deputy Director of Academic Operations, Dr. Abubakar Sadeeq Adam, stated that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the existing partnership between BioRTC and UNIMAID through the affiliation of the proposed postgraduate programmes in Neuroscience.
Dr. Sadeeq explained that the affiliation represents a strategic collaboration designed to leverage the comparative strengths and resources of both institutions to deliver high-quality postgraduate training at the Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) levels in Neuroscience. As an affiliated research centre of the University of Maiduguri, BioRTC will organize and administer the programmes in line with UNIMAID’s postgraduate guidelines, while accommodating BioRTC’s unique operational context.
In his remarks, the Director of Research at the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ibrahim Iliya, commended the Yobe State Government for its continued investment in education and research infrastructure. He noted that the delegation’s visit provided valuable insights into BioRTC’s robust infrastructure, research equipment, and capable manpower, all of which reflect readiness to host advanced postgraduate training.
This visit follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 between BioRTC and UNIMAID to promote joint research, training, and academic exchange. With this successful resource verification, BioRTC is set to commence M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Neuroscience beginning with the 2025/2026 academic session—a major milestone in advancing neuroscience education and research in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.
BioRTC extends sincere appreciation to the UNIMAID delegation, the management of Yobe State University, and the Yobe State Government for their continuous support and shared vision of building a sustainable biomedical research ecosystem.