Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced a donation of N100 million to the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), to enhance research and infrastructure development at the institution.
Zulum made the announcement while receiving the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Lawan Buratai, and principal officers of the university at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The governor commended the efforts to establish a legislative framework for the university, describing it as crucial for its long-term sustainability.
He noted that: “Previously, the Borno State Government supported the university, and now we are providing an additional N100 million. We will work closely with you to strengthen this partnership for the institution’s growth and development.”
The governor also announced that the state government would offer scholarships to indigent students from across the 27 local government areas of the state to study at the university.
He added that: “The Commissioner for Education has been directed to look into the possibility of sending children from all the 27 local government areas to the Nigerian Army University. We will look into carrying capacity and see how many we can sponsor.”
Zulum further pledged support for the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences at NAUB to increase the number of doctors and frontline healthcare workers in the state.
He emphasised the need for the three federal universities in Borno, namely the University of Maiduguri, the Nigerian Army University Biu, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Bama, to align their academic programmes with the state’s needs.
He said. “The state government will collaborate with these institutions to prioritise demands based on a needs assessment, ensuring maximum benefit.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawan Buratai, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and requested additional sponsorship for Borno indigenes to study Engineering and related courses.
“We commend His Excellency for the ongoing construction of staff accommodation. We also appeal for more state-sponsored students in Engineering and technical fields to boost academic enrolment,” Buratai said.
Meanwhile, Zulum has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the equitable distribution of projects across the state.
He made the promise when he received the leadership of Biu Forum at the Government House.
The governor pledged increased investment in security, education, infrastructure and other sectors to improve the living standards of residents.
“We are investing heavily in these areas not to please anyone, but because posterity will judge our administration positively,” Zulum stated.
The National Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed, said Zulum’s administration has executed more than 90 development projects in Biu Emirate alone. These include the Eye and Dental Hospital Biu, the new LGA Secretariat Biu, road networks, mega schools, a vocational training centre, primary healthcare centres and housing estates, among others.
