The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved One billion Naira as a take-off grant for the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.
Governor Zulum announced the support while receiving an inter-ministerial delegation on an assessment visit to the Government House, Maiduguri.
The delegation comprised officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Budget Office, and the Office of the Head of Service.
The University was established following a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, which was signed into law by the President on May 22, 2025.
To fast track the commencement of the activities ,Governor Zulum had handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, to the Nigerian government for conversion into new University temporary site
“I want to announce the donation of ₦1 billion for the take-off of the University,” Governor Zulum said, directing the Commissioner for Education to immediately identify priority areas so funds can be deployed strategically.
He emphasised that although the institution is federal, its benefits will greatly impact the people of Borno.
The Governor said; “the Nigerian government announced the establishment of the university, but the state must provide the enabling environment for its smooth take-off
“Every federal institution, especially tertiary institutions, belong to Borno State government.”
Governor Zulum also pledged to build staff quarters and extend additional support as needed.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the bill’s sponsor Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the Minister of Education for their roles in ensuring the University becomes a reality.
The Leader of the federal delegation and Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, noted that the team was impressed after inspecting the Bama facilities.
She added that the team would proceed with staff verification as part of the final steps for commencement.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN; Member representing Monguno, Marte and Nganzai federal constituency, Bukar Talba; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Malumbe; members of the State Executive Council; and Special Advisers.
Victoria Ibanga