Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved ₦1 billion for the immediate take-off of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, reinforcing the state’s commitment to expanding agricultural education and skills development.

Zulum announced the approval on Tuesday while receiving an inter-ministerial delegation at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The delegation included 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 of the Federation. 

The visit formed part of an assessment tour ahead of the institution’s operational take-off.

The university was established following the signing of a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Lawan into law on 22 May. 

Zulum noted that the state government had earlier handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, to the Federal Government to accelerate the opening of academic activities.

“I want to announce the donation of ₦1 billion for the take-off of the university,” Zulum said, directing the Commissioner for Education to identify priority needs that the funds should address immediately.

He emphasised that although the institution belongs to the Federal Government, its services will significantly benefit the people of Borno State, especially in delivering agricultural knowledge, entrepreneurship training, and future job opportunities.

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

Zulum further pledged to support the construction of staff quarters and provide additional assistance to ensure a smooth start for the university.

He expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senator Kaka Lawan, and the Minister of Education for their roles in ensuring the establishment of the university.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Rakiya Iliyasu, commended the facilities inspected in Bama.

“Your Excellency, the team went round the institution this morning, and what we saw was quite encouraging. We can tell His Excellency that the institution has everything it needs to take off,” she said.

Source: NewDiary Online