In a groundbreaking achievement, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, has successfully performed its first kidney transplant at the TetFund Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology.
This milestone has been met with widespread acclaim, with stakeholders urging greater investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector to sustain such medical advancements.
At the unveiling ceremony, Salisu Bakari, Director of Research and Development at TetFund, representing the Executive Secretary, Architect Sonny Echono, commended UDUTH for its outstanding performance. He emphasized that among the 27 TetFund Centres of Excellence nationwide, UDUTH has set the benchmark for excellence.
“If all centers performed at UDUTH’s level, my retirement would be one of fulfillment,” Bakari remarked. He reaffirmed TetFund’s commitment to supporting UDUTH’s growth, ensuring its sustainability, and positioning it as a leading medical institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
To encourage knowledge sharing, he pledged to invite directors from other institutions nationwide to learn from UDUTH’s success. Additionally, he highlighted TetFund’s plan to enhance ICT infrastructure in Nigerian tertiary institutions, ensuring widespread internet access to facilitate research and innovation.
Bakari further noted that UDUTH’s success exemplifies the effective utilization of public funds, with far-reaching benefits for the less privileged.
The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Professor Bashir Garba, praised the medical team, led by Professor Ismail Mungadi, for their dedication and expertise. He noted that their achievement brings honor not only to the institution but to Nigeria as a whole.
He assured that the university remains committed to sustaining the progress made in kidney transplantation, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to life-saving procedures.
Professor Garba also appealed to the governments of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States to continue supporting UDUTH’s initiatives. He specifically urged them to assist in constructing a dedicated facility for kidney transplant patients, improving patient care and post-surgical recovery.
Also, Professor Anas Sabir, Chief Medical Director of UDUTH, lauded the hospital’s staff, particularly the Urology and Nephrology Department, for their dedication and hard work.
He assured that UDUTH remains committed to capacity building, investing in continuous training for its workforce to sustain the hospital’s standard of care. He also credited the strong partnership between UDUTH and its parent institution, UDUS, for facilitating this success.
Meanwhile, the Governors of Sokoto and Kebbi States have pledged their full support for the Centre of Excellence.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Commissioner for Health Yunusa Isa Ismail expressed pride in UDUTH’s breakthrough, emphasizing its potential to curb medical tourism and provide affordable treatment for Nigerians.
He assured that the Kebbi State Government remains committed to strengthening the centre for the benefit of all citizens.
Similarly, Dr. Umar Faruk, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu, reaffirmed Sokoto’s commitment to UDUTH’s sustainability.
He highlighted that healthcare is a priority under the governor’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda, as reflected in the highest budgetary allocation to the health sector in the state’s 2025 budget.
As part of its commitment, the Sokoto State Government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UDUTH to enhance healthcare services for residents. To further support the centre, Governor Aliyu announced a ₦10 million donation to UDUTH.
In a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Galadima Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru, praised UDUTH’s management for their achievement. He assured that the Sultanate Council remains committed to supporting the hospital’s continued growth.
Additionally, Dr. Umar Abubakar, representing Dr. Olatise Olalekan, Managing Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Abuja, congratulated UDUTH on its remarkable feat.
He urged governments at all levels to sponsor kidney transplant patients at UDUTH, stressing that treatment at the hospital is more affordable and accessible compared to overseas options.
Meanwhile, the success of UDUTH’s first kidney transplant marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. However, stakeholders stress that sustained investment in infrastructure, training, and research is necessary to replicate and expand such successes nationwide.
With continued government and private-sector support, UDUTH’s Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology is poised to transform kidney care in Nigeria, offering hope to thousands of patients in need of life-saving transplants.
