Borno varsity teaching hospital will reduce medical tourism — Zulum

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, said the nearly completed Borno State University Teaching Hospital will help reduce the trend of medical tourism abroad, particularly among residents of Borno and the northeast region. The governor stated this while speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of three multi-billion-naira projects in Maiduguri: a flyover, a […]

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, said the nearly completed Borno State University Teaching Hospital will help reduce the trend of medical tourism abroad, particularly among residents of Borno and the northeast region.

The governor stated this while speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of three multi-billion-naira projects in Maiduguri: a flyover, a 2.8km mega drainage, and the teaching hospital.

He explained that the hospital, now about 90 per cent complete, will offer healthcare services comparable to those currently being sought abroad by patients from the region.

“Many of our people travel abroad for medical treatment. I believe that once we have a well-equipped hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, they will prefer to use the teaching hospital here rather than seek treatment in places like Cairo or India,” Zulum said.

“What exists in Cairo and India is simply quality manpower, advanced equipment, essential drugs, and consumables, and I’m committed to providing all of that here,” he added.

The governor said the massive hospital project would soon be equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and highly qualified professionals and is expected to become fully operational by September or, at the latest, October.

“In terms of employment, it will create jobs for no fewer than 1,000 skilled professionals. So far, the construction has already employed over 2,000 unskilled workers,” he said.

On the issue of power supply, Zulum revealed that a 5-megawatt solar power facility has been procured to ensure uninterrupted electricity for the hospital and surrounding facilities.

The 400-bed teaching hospital, which comprises 15 specialised departments, will also serve as a training ground for medical students of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, while delivering high-quality healthcare to residents.

Governor Zulum also inspected the ongoing construction of a 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre, where he commended the contractor for the quality of work and directed that the project be completed by the first quarter of 2026.