The Yobe State Government has approved full sponsorship for 16 lecturers from the College of Medical Sciences at Yobe State University, Damaturu, to pursue postgraduate studies in India, targeting critical manpower gaps and full accreditation for the institution's medical programmes.

The sponsorship, approved by Governor Mai Mala Buni, will fund master's degree programmes with prospects for progression to doctoral studies across Human Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology. The intervention is designed to satisfy accreditation requirements set by the National Universities Commission and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Information Officer in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, describing the initiative as central to Governor Buni's commitment to developing highly qualified academic staff capable of advancing teaching, research, innovation and healthcare delivery across Yobe State.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Bashir Tahir, said the overseas training programme would directly strengthen the university's pursuit of sustained full accreditation for its medical offerings.

"This initiative will significantly strengthen the university's drive towards attaining and sustaining full medical accreditation while positioning its College of Medical Sciences as an emerging centre of excellence in medical education, research and healthcare service delivery in Nigeria," he stated.

Prof Tahir also commended the governor for prioritising the health and education sectors, noting that the sponsorship reflects a long term strategy rather than a short term fix.

"Governor Mai Mala Buni has demonstrated his administration's commitment to human capital development through sustained investment in higher education and healthcare. This intervention reflects a long term commitment to strengthening medical education and improving healthcare delivery in Yobe State," he said.

The first batch of sponsored lecturers has already departed for India, accompanied by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Muhammad Bello Kawuwa, and the Vice Chancellor and the College of Medical Sciences Provost, Prof Garba Mohammed Ashiru.

During the visit, YSU officials held discussions with Integral University, Lucknow, on broadening institutional collaboration beyond medicine to cover agriculture, engineering and technological development. The proposed partnership would encompass staff and student exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, curriculum development and the exchange of international best practices.

University officials indicated the Integral University partnership would expose lecturers and students to global standards in teaching, research and professional practice while further strengthening YSU's academic profile.