Yobe State’s Healthcare Transformation Under Governor Mai Mala Buni: A Legacy of Access, Affordability, and Innovation
Yobe State’s Healthcare Transformation Under Governor Mai Mala Buni: A Legacy of Access, Affordability, and Innovation
By Hannatu Lot
The Buni administration in Yobe State has made significant strides in improving healthcare access and affordability, embodying the age-old adage “Health is Wealth.”
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration in Yobe State has undertaken a comprehensive and impactful transformation of the state’s healthcare system, prioritizing access, affordability, and innovation.
This initiative, driven by a commitment to the principle of “Health is Wealth,” has resulted in significant improvements in healthcare delivery and public health outcomes, earning both national and international recognition.
And enhanced the well-being of its residents through the establishment of a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and health programs.
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Expanding Access and Upgrading Infrastructure:
A cornerstone of Buni’s healthcare strategy has been expanding access to quality care. This involved:
Establishing functional Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in all 178 political wards: Bringing healthcare directly to the people, particularly in remote areas. This included equipping these centers with cutting-edge facilities and ensuring 24/7 service availability.
The completion of 140 PHCs is a significant achievement, eliminating the need for residents in border communities like Bulatura and Gumsi to seek care in neighboring Niger Republic.
Upgrading existing facilities: Eight PHCs were upgraded to General Hospitals, and four General Hospitals were further upgraded to Specialist Hospitals, strengthening the secondary healthcare system and expanding the range of services available.
Major infrastructural investments: This includes constructing Nigeria’s largest Maternal and Child Care (MNCH) Complex – a 375-bed facility comprising seven blocks with state-of-the-art equipment and designed according to global best practices.
The complex boasts specialized units like a spacious Special Baby Care Unit (SCBU) and a well-equipped Obstetrics and Gynaecology wing.
A modern 150-bed isolation center with a state-of-the-art Public Health Laboratory was also constructed at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH). Furthermore, 32 units of staff quarters were built at the YSUTH.
The government’s provision of 80 customized tricycle ambulances further emphasizes accessibility, ensuring the conveyance of expectant mothers and sick persons in challenging terrains.
Addressing the Kidney Disease Epidemic:
Yobe State faces a significant challenge with a kidney disease epidemic affecting communities along the River Yobe, particularly in Gashua and Hadeja Komadugu Gana axis, Yobe State. The Buni administration has responded proactively with a multi-pronged approach:
Free dialysis services: Providing an average of 60 free dialysis sessions per week at the YSUTH.
Groundbreaking research: Collaborating with leading international research institutions like the Crick Research Institute, University of York, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and University College London to understand the root causes of the epidemic.
This involved a large-scale research project analyzing 2,000 samples – the largest such investigation ever undertaken by a state government in Africa. A team of 50 experts from various fields participated in this research.
Establishment of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC): This state-of-the-art facility, the only open-access biomedical research center in Nigeria, is fostering international collaboration and driving groundbreaking research in Africa. The BioRTC has already hosted 50 scientists in a major sub-regional research program, highlighting its impact, earning Governor Buni an honorary membership in the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) – a unique achievement for an African leader.
Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce:
The administration recognizes the vital role of skilled healthcare professionals. Key initiatives include:
Recruitment of healthcare professionals: Over 300 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, have been recruited, bolstering the workforce. This includes 140 Buni Scholars who graduated from various medical science programs in India and 127 health technicians previously serving as volunteers. The Buni Scholars include 43 Bsc Nursing, 43 Bsc Pharmacy, 22 Bsc Medical Laboratory Science, 24 Bsc Radiology, 7 Bsc Optometry and 1 Bsc Public Health graduates.
The Buni Scholars are placed on CONHESS 8, while the volunteer technicians were placed on CONHESS 6/2.
The Buni administration had in the last Six years consistently offered automatic employment to graduates of the State-owned Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery to improve personnel in the medical facilities.
Investing in training and education: Significant investments in the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery and other medical colleges are increasing the capacity for training healthcare professionals. The accreditation of the YSUTH to train Community Medicine physicians further enhances healthcare capacity.
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Financial Investments and Recognition:
The commitment to healthcare is reflected in substantial budget allocations. The 2025 overall budget allocates N320 billion for recurrent and capital expenditures, with N108 billion to the social sector, a significant portion of which is dedicated to healthcare services.
This commitment includes procuring additional hemodialysis machines and other essential medical equipment for YSUTH.
The Buni administration’s achievements have earned significant recognition:
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s healthcare revolution in Yobe state has not only transformed the landscape but has positioned the state as a beacon of excellence, drawing accolades and commendations both nationally and globally. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Yobe’s citizens set a standard for healthcare reform and development.
Awards from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Yobe State received a meritorious award for improved primary healthcare services, a $500,000 prize, and the “Best Performing State” award in the Contributory Healthcare scheme (with a N30 million prize).
International acclaim: The success of the healthcare initiatives has attracted international attention and praise, further solidifying Yobe State’s position as a leader in healthcare reform.
Governor Buni’s commitment to : A Legacy of Health and Wellness
Governor Buni’s commitment to safety is evident in the reinstatement of the Yobe State Emergency Medical Ambulance Service and the Yobe State Healthcare and Health-Related Facilities Inspection and Monitoring Agency.
Similarly, the establishment of the Yobe Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (YODMA) to ensure the availability of drugs in government hospitals, the Yobe State Healthcare and Health Related Facilities Inspection and Monitoring Agency to ensure the quality of healthcare services provided by both government and private hospitals in the state.
These initiatives enhance service delivery, providing first aid treatment to accident victims and monitoring healthcare facilities to ensure uncompromised standards.
Today, a legion of medical equipment worth billions of naira, spread across the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital and the adjoining Biomedical Science Research and Training Center (BioRTC) also in Damaturu, reputed to be the first in Nigeria, is a strong statement of the administration’s commitment to the people’s health.
Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has singled himself out to make a difference and tread the path avoided by others.
His administration has also prioritized maternal and child health, with a particular emphasis on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. By providing free healthcare services for pregnant women and children under five, the state has made significant progress in ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the care they need.
Additionally, the administration’s healthcare initiatives have extended to combating diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Through public health campaigns, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and the provision of essential medicines, the government has strengthened efforts to promote a healthier population.
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The reforms introduced in healthcare delivery by the Buni administration are achieving positive results. It has ensured the sustainability of providing affordable and accessible healthcare delivery to the people of Yobe State.
The Contributory Healthcare Programme of the state is performing creditably well and has earned Yobe State the first position in securing 100 percent implementation in the Northeast sub-region.
The State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, established five years ago, has provided effective and efficient healthcare delivery to the state civil servants, the weak and vulnerable through the formal and informal sectors programme.
Dr Babagana Tijjani, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Contributory Health Management Agency (YOCHMA) said over 300,000 persons in both the formal and non-formal sectors enjoy services of the state Contributory Health agency to access medical services.
“We now run five programmes accommodating 201,655 beneficiaries from the Formal sector covering 96% of our target courtesy of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; We also have the Buni Equity Programme covering 28,871 beneficiaries, and 43,997 beneficiaries for the Basic Healthcare provision fund program while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has 2,500 beneficiaries.
Conclusion:
Governor Buni’s leadership has resulted in a remarkable transformation of Yobe State’s healthcare system. The focus on infrastructure development, research, workforce expansion, and financial investment has created a more accessible, affordable, and efficient healthcare system.
This comprehensive approach, coupled with international collaboration, has not only improved healthcare outcomes but established Yobe State as a model for other states and regions in Nigeria and across Africa. The ongoing commitment to addressing the kidney disease epidemic and other healthcare challenges promises a brighter and healthier future for the people of Yobe State.
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration in Yobe State has been a beacon of hope, progress, and sustainable development, particularly in the key sectors of security, education, and healthcare. His leadership, characterized by a strong commitment to the welfare of the people, has led to significant strides in improving the quality of life across the state.
