UMTH Achieves Milestone with N13.5m Kidney Transplant in Maiduguri
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has successfully carried out a kidney transplant at the cost of ₦13.5 million, marking a major medical breakthrough in Borno State.
The life-saving procedure, performed between May 21 and 22, 2025, was conducted by a dedicated team of seven surgeons from Borno and Kaduna states.
Unveiling the feat at a press conference held in Maiduguri the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, described the operation as one of the most affordable in Nigeria, stressing that the hospital only bills patients for consumables used during and after the procedure.
“This is the second successful kidney transplant carried out here,” Prof. Ahidjo announced proudly. “UMTH offers the most cost-effective transplant services in the country.”
He credited the Federal Government, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and several philanthropists for their vital support, which made the operation possible.
Prof Ahidjo also disclosed that four state-of-the-art theatres have been built and fully equipped at the hospital to cater to 20 patients currently awaiting kidney transplants.
Despite the setbacks from the devastating floods in September last year, which damaged parts of the hospital’s infrastructure, the CMD emphasised that UMTH’s kidney centre remains the largest and most efficient in the country.
He further revealed that the facility recently acquired 20 dialysis machines, with dialysis sessions now heavily subsidised at just ₦12,000 compared to the global cost of $1,000 (approximately ₦1.6 million).
The anonymous kidney recipient is reported to be recovering well, with no complications post-surgery.
Prof. Ahidjo highlighted 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 support to cover hospital 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.
