Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has taken a significant step in enhancing the educational infrastructure of the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), a federal government institution.
In an official announcement made on Friday, Governor Zulum allocated a substantial sum of N50 million for the university’s development.
This allocation, according to Zulum, is coupled with the ambitious undertaking of constructing both staff houses and student hostels within the university campus.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor of the Army University, Kyari Mohammed, and his management team to the Government House in Maiduguri.
During the visit, Governor Zulum stated, “Borno State Government will release N50 million to the University.”
He also reaffirmed the commitment to bolster the university’s facilities, expressing intentions to provide suitable accommodation for staff members and well-equipped hostels for the students.
Governor Zulum went on to outline a directive for the commissioner of Works and Housing to initiate the creation of architectural plans for these expansion projects.
This meticulous planning reflects the governor’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to learning and academic excellence.
Notably, Zulum’s proactive approach to education is not a newfound commitment.
Prior to this announcement, he had been extending significant support to various educational institutions in Borno State, including the University of Maiduguri, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Federal Polytechnic Monguno, and Federal College of Education Gwoza, among others.
During the same visit, Zulum demonstrated his resolve to promote higher education by directing the Borno State Ministry of Education to compile a list of deserving students who will be granted scholarships to pursue their studies at the Nigerian Army University, Biu.
These scholarships are intended to span across the three senatorial zones of the state, aiming to offer educational opportunities to a diverse array of students.
Governor Zulum also made a profound decision to revive the convocation ceremonies at state-owned tertiary institutions, a practice that had been suspended due to the disruptive activities of Boko Haram insurgents.
He highlighted the importance of these ceremonies in acknowledging exceptional students and extending scholarships to further their academic pursuits.
During the visit, Zulum acknowledged the instrumental role played by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), in facilitating the establishment of the Army University in Borno. This recognition underscores the collaborative efforts that have gone into elevating the educational landscape of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Kyari Mohammed, the vice-chancellor of Nigerian Army University, Biu, lauded Borno State’s remarkable strides in educational development under Governor Zulum’s leadership.
He hailed the state’s transformation from a region grappling with insurgency to a beacon of educational progress. He particularly emphasised the state’s achievements in teacher quality development, recruitment, training, and infrastructural development.
Kyari Mohammed expressed deep gratitude to Governor Zulum for his unwavering support towards the growth of the Army University and other tertiary institutions within the state.
This collaborative approach to education is fostering a positive shift in Borno’s educational landscape, setting an example for other regions to emulate.
