By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Steering Committee for the establishment of the Yobe State Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology (YIBET) has presented its inception report and the institute’s establishment bill to the Yobe State Government, marking another milestone in the state’s drive to strengthen healthcare education and innovation.
According to a press statement issued by Ibrahim Baba Saleh, Media Coordinator/Liaison Officer in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the documents were presented through the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje.
Speaking during the presentation, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Prof. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, represented by the committee’s Technical Consultant, Dr. Abdulkarim Karasuwa, said the submission was in fulfilment of the committee’s mandate and in line with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s directive to fast-track the establishment of the specialised institution.
Dr. Karasuwa said the committee submitted its inception report, outlining its preliminary findings and implementation strategies, alongside the YIBET Establishment Bill, which has already been passed by the Yobe State House of Assembly and assented to.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Buni for the confidence reposed in the committee and assured the government of its commitment to carrying out the assignment professionally and within the approved timeframe.
Receiving the documents, Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, commended the committee for its dedication and timely execution of its assignment.
He said the submission reflects the committee’s determination to meet the government’s expectations and accelerate the establishment of an institution that will position Yobe State as a leader in biomedical engineering education, innovation, and healthcare technology.
Dr. Goje assured the committee that the government would carefully review the inception report and encouraged members to sustain the momentum in completing the remaining tasks within the approved schedule.
The latest development builds on the committee’s earlier activities, including its inauguration and a series of technical planning meetings held at Yobe State University, where members developed a comprehensive roadmap for the institute’s establishment.
The committee has since continued consultations and technical engagements to ensure the successful take-off of YIBET.
When established, the Yobe State Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology will serve as a specialised institution for training highly skilled biomedical engineers and technologists, promoting research and innovation, strengthening medical equipment management and maintenance, and improving healthcare service delivery in Yobe State and beyond.