THE USMANU DANFODIYO University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto has successfully performed its first kidney transplant, signalling a significant advancement in Nigeria’s medical capabilities.
The procedure was conducted at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology, a facility established to enhance specialised medical services in the region.
Dr. Salisu Bakari, Director of Research and Development at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), lauded the accomplishment, stating, “UDUTH has emerged as the best-performing among the 27 TETFund Centres of Excellence nationwide.”
He reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting the hospital’s sustainability and positioning it as a leading medical centre in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Prof. Bashir Garba, commended the medical team led by Prof. Ismail Mungadi for bringing honour to the institution and the nation at large. He assured that the university would work to sustain its kidney transplant programme for the benefit of Nigerians.
Prof. Anas Sabir, Chief Medical Director of UDUTH, praised the hospital staff, particularly the Urology and Nephrology Department, for their dedication. He emphasised that the strong partnership between UDUTH and its parent institution, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, has been instrumental in the hospital’s success.
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Governors of Sokoto and Kebbi States pledged their full support for the centre. The Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Ismail, representing Governor Nasir Idris, expressed pride in the transplant’s success, highlighting its potential to reduce medical tourism and provide affordable treatment for citizens. He assured that Governor Idris remains committed to supporting the centre to make its services accessible to ordinary Nigerians.
Similarly, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umar Faruk, representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of UDUTH’s achievements. He noted that the governor’s “Nine-Point Smart Agenda” prioritises healthcare, as reflected in the highest budgetary allocation to the health sector in the state’s 2025 budget. He further disclosed plans for a Memorandum of Understanding between Sokoto State and UDUTH to enhance healthcare delivery. To further demonstrate the government’s support, Governor Aliyu announced a cash donation of N10 million to the centre.
In his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Galadima Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru, commended the hospital’s management for their achievement. He assured that the Sultanate Council stands ready to support the hospital’s continued growth.
