Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday inaugurated a new health centre and digital academy in Hadejia, Jigawa State, as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and expand educational opportunities through technology.
The two projects, a specialised health facility aimed at promoting the early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease and a digital learning academy, are expected to enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen digital skills among young Nigerians in the state.
The health facility, named the Oluremi Tinubu Clinic, was built and fully equipped through a partnership between the FutureMap Foundation and eHealth Africa. Located on Garun Gabas Road in Hadejia, the clinic was named in honour of the First Lady in recognition of her advocacy for improved healthcare and support for underserved communities across the country.
The second project, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy, was established by the Federal Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as part of ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy and prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the technology-driven economy.
The inauguration comes only weeks after President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, an initiative aimed at leveraging technology and data to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve health outcomes nationwide.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Hadejia, Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the collaboration between government agencies and development partners that made the projects possible.
She described the health centre as a critical intervention designed to tackle the growing burden of chronic kidney disease through early diagnosis, preventive care and public awareness.
“These facilities are dedicated to the early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease, especially for our vulnerable people,” the First Lady said.
She noted that many Nigerians, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities, often struggle to access quality healthcare services, leading to late diagnosis of serious medical conditions.
According to her, expanding access to preventive healthcare is essential for reducing avoidable deaths and improving the quality of life of citizens.
The First Lady reiterated that her passion has always been to uplift vulnerable and underserved communities by supporting initiatives that address their most pressing needs.
She said investments in healthcare and education remain among the most effective ways of improving living standards and creating opportunities for sustainable development.
Senator Tinubu also stressed the importance of partnerships between government institutions, non-governmental organisations and the private sector in delivering impactful social interventions.
She commended the FutureMap Foundation and eHealth Africa for their commitment to improving healthcare services through innovative and community-focused initiatives.
The specialised clinic is expected to provide screening, diagnosis and preventive services for chronic kidney disease, a condition that has become an increasing public health concern in Nigeria.
Medical experts have consistently warned that early detection is one of the most effective ways of reducing complications associated with kidney disease, as many patients often seek medical attention only after the condition has progressed significantly.
The establishment of the Oluremi Tinubu Clinic is therefore expected to improve access to early screening and encourage greater public awareness about kidney health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy
is designed to equip young people with digital knowledge and technology skills that will enable them to compete in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
The academy aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to expand access to information technology education, encourage innovation and promote entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.
Through NITDA, the government has continued to implement programmes aimed at improving digital literacy, supporting technology innovation and increasing opportunities for young Nigerians in the information and communications technology sector.
Observers say the establishment of the academy complements the recent creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office by integrating technology into both education and healthcare development.
The dual inauguration reflects the administration’s emphasis on human capital development through investments in health and digital education, two sectors considered critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic and social progress.
Community leaders and residents who attended the event welcomed the projects, expressing optimism that they would improve access to quality healthcare while creating new opportunities for learning and skills acquisition for young people in Jigawa State.
The inauguration formed part of the First Lady’s official engagements in the state, during which she reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of women, children and vulnerable populations.
With the commissioning of the Oluremi Tinubu Clinic and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy, stakeholders believe the projects will not only strengthen healthcare services and digital education in Jigawa State but also serve as models for similar interventions in other parts of the country.
