For the first time in its history, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto has successfully performed a kidney transplant, marking a new era in specialized healthcare for the region.
The groundbreaking procedure, conducted on Monday, also heralded the official launch of UDUTH’s Kidney Transplant Program, supported by the TETFUND Center of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).
During the program’s inauguration on Tuesday, Professor A.A. Mungadi, Director of the TETFUND Center, described the milestone as a dream come true. He recalled that just 12 years ago, such a medical achievement seemed impossible in Sokoto.
However, with TETFUND’s support, the hospital now boasts the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and trained personnel to make kidney transplants a reality.
“Many patients in need of kidney transplants had to travel abroad at great financial and emotional cost,” Prof. Mungadi said. “Now, with this program, they can receive world-class treatment right here at home.” He confirmed that both the donor and recipient were recovering well, with the recipient showing immediate signs of improvement post-surgery.
The transplant, which lasted five hours, represents more than just a medical breakthrough—it’s a beacon of hope for patients who previously had limited options. Recognizing the lengthy post-surgery recovery period (typically three to six months), Prof. Mungadi called for establishing a dedicated hostel to house recovering patients and ensure their continued care.
Professor Bashir Garba, Vice Chancellor of UDUS, expressed deep gratitude to the federal government and TETFUND for making the program possible. “This achievement significantly reduces the financial burden on patients who would otherwise seek treatment abroad,” he noted. “It’s a game-changer for the people of Sokoto and beyond.”
The Chief Medical Director of UDUTH, Professor Anas Sabir, shared that the hospital had already received overwhelming interest from across Nigeria following the transplant’s announcement. He reassured the public of UDUTH’s commitment to sustaining the program and expanding its reach to help more needy patients.
Former UDUS Vice Chancellor, Professor Riskuwa A. Shehu, reflected on the long journey that began in 2005 to establish the center. He urged state governments, particularly those of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, to invest in the program’s sustainability. “This is a shared responsibility. We must all come together to ensure this program’s long-term success,” he emphasized.
TETFUND’s representative, Salisu Bakare, commended UDUTH for leading the way as the first of TETFUND’s 27 medical centers nationwide to successfully initiate a kidney transplant program. He assured that TETFUND remains committed to supporting the initiative and positioning it as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s premier kidney transplant centers.
Government representatives from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara also pledged their support, acknowledging the program’s critical role in saving lives and strengthening healthcare in the region.
With this remarkable milestone, UDUTH has not only made medical history but also given renewed hope to countless patients in need of life-saving kidney transplants.
