Borno Federal Agriculture University Secures ₦1bn Startup Fund

News in brief:

-Governor Babagana Zulum has approved ₦1 billion to kick-start the new Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.

-The state government will also provide staff housing and additional support to ensure smooth take-off and long-term sustainability.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has approved ₦1 billion to fast-track the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama. He announced the funding during an assessment visit by an inter-ministerial delegation at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The university, established after President Tinubu signed a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Lawan, is expected to boost access to specialised agricultural and entrepreneurial education in the state.

State–Federal Collaboration to Speed Up Take-Off

The delegation, comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Budget Office and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, was in Borno to evaluate the institution’s readiness.

Governor Zulum noted that the state had earlier handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama to the Federal Government to provide a solid foundation for the new university.

“I want to announce the donation of ₦1 billion for the take-off of the university,” Zulum said, directing the state Commissioner for Education to identify urgent needs and ensure funds are channelled appropriately.

Borno’s Commitment to Educational Expansion

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Zulum said the state must create an enabling environment for the federal university to thrive, emphasising that the benefits will overwhelmingly serve Borno citizens.

“Although the institution belongs to the federal government, the services to be rendered are for the good people of Borno State. For me, every federal institution, especially tertiary institutions, belongs to the Borno State government,” he said.

The governor also pledged to construct staff quarters and provide additional support as the institution begins operations.

Delegation Impressed With Readiness of Facilities

Earlier, Hajiya Rakiya Iliyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education and leader of the visiting team, commended the facilities on the ground in Bama.

According to her, the inspection showed that the institution already has what it needs to begin operations smoothly. She explained that staff verification would be the next step in the take-off process.