From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has taken another significant step towards transforming healthcare education, medical technology and innovation with renewed efforts to establish the Yobe Institute for Biomedical Engineering Technology (YIBET), a specialised institution expected to become a centre of excellence for biomedical engineering in Nigeria and beyond.
The Steering Committee on the establishment of the institute, constituted by Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, continued its deliberations with a strategic meeting held at the Senate Building of Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu, where members reviewed progress made so far and agreed on critical measures to fast-track the realisation of the ambitious project.
The meeting was presided over by the Committee Chairman, Professor Bello Kawuwa, who described the proposed institute as a landmark intervention that would redefine biomedical engineering education, research and healthcare technology in Yobe State.
Reflecting on the evolution of biomedical engineering in the state, Professor Kawuwa recalled the early efforts to institutionalise biomedical engineering services within Yobe’s healthcare system, noting that the establishment of YIBET represents the fulfilment of a long-standing vision driven by commitment, collaboration and strategic planning.
He expressed delight that the dream of establishing the institute was becoming a reality, stressing that YIBET would produce highly skilled biomedical engineering professionals, strengthen research and innovation, support the maintenance and development of modern medical equipment, and improve the overall quality of healthcare services across the state and the country.
Professor Kawuwa made the remarks after a presentation by the representative of the Society of Biomedical Engineers in Yobe State, who highlighted the indispensable role of biomedical engineering in modern healthcare delivery, particularly in ensuring the efficient installation, maintenance and sustainability of sophisticated medical technologies.
The meeting also featured comprehensive technical presentations by Dr. Abdulkareem Karasuwa, Technical Consultant to the Steering Committee, who unveiled the proposed institutional framework, academic structure, pedagogical model, and business strategy for YIBET
Dr. Karasuwa explained that the institute is being designed in line with global best practices to ensure academic excellence, financial sustainability, industry relevance, and international competitiveness.
He noted that the proposed curriculum would integrate practical training, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strong partnerships with healthcare institutions and technology industries.
Committee members unanimously emphasized the need to establish an institution that would attain international recognition for excellence in biomedical engineering education, cutting-edge research, innovation, and professional practice.
They observed that the institute would not only address the growing shortage of qualified biomedical engineers in Nigeria but also position Yobe State as a regional hub for medical technology development, equipment management, healthcare innovation and capacity building.
According to the committee, the successful establishment of YIBET would significantly reduce dependence on external expertise in the maintenance and management of medical equipment while creating opportunities for research, employment, industrial partnerships, and technological advancement.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hajiya Hadiza Sabo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Alhaji Bukar Kilo, mni; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget; Chief Medical Director of the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), Professor Baba Waru Goni; Chief Medical Director of Yobe Specialist Hospital, Dr. Usman Abba; Director of Engineering Services, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Babagana; Engr. Abdulmalik Mohammed; and other members of the Steering Committee.