By Faridat Salifu
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has reinforced the state’s commitment to education and local development by donating ₦1 billion for the immediate takeoff of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.
Speaking during a visit by an inter-ministerial federal delegation, Zulum stressed that while the university is federally owned, the state is providing the enabling environment to ensure it benefits the people of Borno. “Every federal institution, especially tertiary institutions, belongs to Borno State in terms of service delivery,” he said.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Education to identify priority areas and gaps where the funds can be deployed for the university’s smooth launch. He also promised to construct staff quarters and provide other support to facilitate operations.
The university, established following a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and signed into law by the President on May 22, 2025, will commence academic activities using facilities from the former Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama, which Zulum handed over to the federal government.
Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, led the federal team inspecting the Bama site. She said the facility was well-prepared for the university’s launch and confirmed that staff verification would begin shortly.
The assessment visit was attended by key state and federal officials, including Deputy Governor Hon. Umar Kadafur, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Hon. Bukar Talba, Acting Chief of Staff Dr. Babagana Malumbe, members of the State Executive Council, and Special Advisers.
