Yobe Governor Buni Approves Employment of 416 Nurses and Midwives to Boost Healthcare
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has authorized the immediate employment of 416 nurses and midwives, a strategic move aimed at enhancing healthcare service delivery across the state. The announcement was made during the graduation ceremony of student nurses and midwives at the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Sciences (SSCNS) in Damaturu, where the governor was represented by his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana.
Addressing Manpower Shortages in Healthcare
Deputy Governor Gubana emphasized that this recruitment is part of the state government's sustained investment in the health sector, designed to tackle critical manpower shortages in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with ongoing health sector reforms, which focus on improving healthcare access, particularly in rural communities.
Gubana stated, "The state government's commitment to the health sector is unwavering, as we strive to ensure functional, efficient, and effective healthcare services at the grassroots level." He noted that over the past seven years, investments in SSCNS have yielded significant benefits for both rural and urban populations, with more than 3,500 healthcare workers employed in recent years, many of whom are graduates from the college.
Recognition and Achievements in Healthcare
In his remarks, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, revealed that Yobe State was recently recognized as the best-performing state in primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This accolade came from an independent survey conducted by the Nigeria Governors' Forum under the Federal Government's National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). As a result, the state won a $1.2 million prize in 2025, equivalent to approximately ₦1.68 billion.
Dr. Gana added, "This achievement underscores our dedication to transforming healthcare in Yobe, and the employment of these new nurses and midwives will further solidify our progress."
College Contributions and Future Support
Hajiya Hadiza Sabo, the outgoing Provost of SSCNS, disclosed that between 2019 and 2026, the institution graduated 1,485 students, all of whom received automatic employment. She explained that this policy has significantly improved the recruitment, deployment, and retention of healthcare personnel in the state.
Sabo noted, "The latest batch of graduates includes 158 Community Nurses, 196 Basic Nurses and Midwives, and 62 Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in Nursing, all ready to contribute to our healthcare system." She was commended by Deputy Governor Gubana for her leadership and contributions to academic excellence during her two-term tenure.
Additional Initiatives and Future Plans
Gubana further highlighted other health sector initiatives by the Buni administration, including the establishment of a world-class Biomedical Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University. The permanent site for this center was commissioned last year to promote research and train young scientists.
He assured the college management of continued government support, pledging to consider requests aimed at strengthening the institution. Gubana charged the college authorities, "You are tasked with training adequate, qualified, and professional manpower for health facilities, including specialist hospitals in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Buni-Yadi."
This comprehensive approach by the Yobe State government demonstrates a strong commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services, ensuring better health outcomes for all residents.
