The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has achieved a significant medical milestone in Borno State with the successful completion of a kidney transplant at N13.5 million.
The procedure, performed between May 21 and 22, 2025, involved seven surgeons from Borno and Kaduna states.
Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, described the operation as one of the most affordable in Nigeria. “This is the second successful kidney transplant carried out here,” Prof. Ahidjo said. “UMTH offers the most cost-effective transplant services in the country.”
He emphasised that the hospital only charges patients for consumables used during and after the procedure.
Ahidjo credited the Federal Government, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and various philanthropists for their support in making the operation possible. He also disclosed that UMTH has built and fully equipped four state-of-the-art theatres to cater to 20 patients currently awaiting kidney transplants.
Despite setbacks caused by last September’s devastating floods, which damaged parts of the hospital’s infrastructure, the CMD noted that UMTH’s kidney centre remains Nigeria’s largest and most efficient.
Highlighting further advancements, he revealed that the hospital recently acquired 20 dialysis machines. Dialysis sessions are now heavily subsidised at just N12,000, compared to the global cost of $1,000 (approximately N1.6 million).
The anonymous kidney recipient is reportedly recovering well, with no post-surgery complications.
Ahidjo also raised concerns over the rising incidence of kidney failure in the region, attributing it to increasing cases of diabetes and hypertension, particularly in the Kumadugu/Yobe River Basin communities in Borno and Yobe states. He called for additional funding to cover the cost of consumables for underprivileged patients in need of kidney transplants.
“This will help save more lives and allow patients to enjoy healthier lives with their families,” he said.
