Jega Hails NEU for Establishing African Medicinal Plant Research Centre

By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has hailed North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, for taking a groundbreaking step in advancing scientific research through the establishment of the Centre for African Medicinal Plant Research (CAMPRE).

Prof. Jega, who toured the university on Thursday, described the research centre as a major milestone not only for NEU but for Nigeria’s private university system.

 He said the investment demonstrates NEU’s strong commitment to innovation, knowledge development, and research that directly addresses Africa’s health challenges.

“I am truly impressed by what NEU has established here,” Prof. Jega said after inspecting the facility.

“The Centre for African Medicinal Plant Research is a world-class scientific hub and a rare initiative among private universities.

This is the kind of forward-looking investment that can transform healthcare and position Nigeria as a leader in medicinal plant science.”

He noted that many private universities focus heavily on commercial interests, but NEU has distinguished itself by prioritising research-driven growth.

 According to him, CAMPRE reflects the type of vision needed to modernise the nation’s higher education landscape and promote innovation capable of solving real-life problems.

During his guided tour, Prof. Jega interacted with researchers and inspected laboratories dedicated to the study, documentation, and processing of African herbal plants. 

He commended the depth of work underway, describing the centre as “strategic, impactful, and capable of contributing significantly to scientific and medical advancement.”

Beyond CAMPRE, the former INEC Chairman also visited the University’s Anas Aremeyaw Anas Multimedia, Content Creation & Innovation Centre, where he granted an interview in its modern TV studio.

 He praised the institution’s infrastructure, academic standards, and commitment to moral discipline, saying NEU has become a benchmark for quality private university education.

Speaking earlier, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Sani Jauro, said the medicinal plant centre was established to boost research capacity, preserve indigenous herbal knowledge, and support modern pharmaceutical development.

 The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yusuph Amuda Yahaya, added that the commendation from Prof. Jega reinforces NEU’s determination to train research-oriented graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.