Borno Governor lays foundation stone for first private university

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has on Monday 4thl January 2021 laid the foundation stone for the construction of Al-Ansar University, which is expected to be the first privately-owned university and tertiary institution in the state.

Zulum had earlier approved the allocation of 100 hectares of land in Maiduguri to Al-Ansar foundation, which is funding the University project, at a site along Gubio road in the Borno state capital.

Al-Ansar foundation was founded by its President, Dr Muhammad Kyari Dikwa, a retired federal permanent secretary and philanthropist.

The University is taking off with two colleges in addition to other landmark structures necessary for administration and lecturing purposes.

Zulum who spoke at the laying ground said, “We are very much willing to support any individual or group willing to partner with the state government in order to provide the much needed qualitative education to our children at all levels.”

Zulum ordered the construction of 2.3km road within the university, in addition to the ongoing construction of low aquifer borehole by the Borno State Government in the University site.

The Governor also directed the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to liaise with the founder of the university to see how Borno State Government will further support the implementation of this laudable project.

The governor promised similar support for anyone desirous of making investments in Borno, particularly on education.

The President of Al-Ansar and founder of the university, Kyari Dikwa expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for his relentless support for the actualization of his university project.

“Let me start by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Borno State, for his kind gesture and concern to the Al-Ansar foundation since its inception.

“The foundation is happy and proud to identify with this kind-hearted man, selfless leader, a man of peace and compassion, the man that history has already revealed, a charismatic politician, academician and a great leader whose actions has already inspired the youth, women, vulnerable and impacted positively to the lives of people of Borno State and beyond.” The Governor concluded.

Zainab Sa’id