Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has expressed confidence that the nearly completed Borno State University Teaching Hospital will significantly reduce the reliance on medical tourism abroad, especially among residents of Borno and the wider northeast region.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of three major projects in Maiduguri; a flyover, a 2.8km mega drainage project, and the teaching hospital, Zulum said the 400-bed hospital, now about 90 per cent complete, will soon deliver world-class healthcare services comparable to those available in popular medical destinations such as Cairo and India.
“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,” the governor 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.
Governor Zulum assured that the hospital would be fully equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and manned by highly qualified professionals. The facility is expected to become operational by September or, at the latest, October 2025.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the hospital is also expected to boost employment in the state. “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,” Zulum stated.
To ensure reliable power supply, a 5-megawatt solar power facility has been procured to provide uninterrupted electricity to the hospital and surrounding infrastructures.
The teaching hospital, which includes 15 specialised departments, will also function as a training ground for medical students of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, further strengthening the state’s healthcare and educational infrastructure.
In addition to the hospital, Governor Zulum also inspected the ongoing construction of a 4,000-capacity International Conference Centre. He commended the contractor for the quality of work delivered so far and directed that the centre be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
The three multi-billion-naira projects form part of the Zulum administration’s broader efforts to drive infrastructural growth, boost public service delivery, and improve the quality of life for Borno residents.
