Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
In a significant development for education in Borno State, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved a ₦1 billion fund to kick-start the new Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama. This move underscores the state government’s support for expanding higher education and creating opportunities for young people in the region.
Governor Zulum announced this donation on Monday during a visit from an inter-ministerial team assessing the progress of the university project at the Government House. The delegation included 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 officially established after a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan was signed into law by the President on May 22, 2025. To facilitate the quick start of academic activities, Governor Zulum had previously handed over the existing Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama to the federal government.
During the visit, Governor Zulum stated, “I want to announce the donation of ₦1 billion for the takeoff of the university.” He also directed the Commissioner for Education to identify immediate priorities and gaps to ensure the funds are effectively used.
He explained the role of the state, saying, “The federal government announced the establishment of the university, but the state has to provide the enabling environment for it to start functioning immediately.” He emphasized that, although the university belongs to the federal government, its services are meant for the people of Borno State: “For me, every federal institution, especially the tertiary institutions, belong to Borno State.”
The governor also promised to support the university by constructing staff quarters and providing additional resources. He praised national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as the bill’s sponsor, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the Minister of Education for their efforts in making this project a reality.
The leader of the federal delegation, Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, who is also the Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, reported that her team was impressed after inspecting the Bama facility. She told the governor, “Your Excellency, the team went round the institution this morning and what we saw was quite encouraging.” She confirmed that the university is ready to begin operations and that staff verification would soon be completed.
The event was attended by notable officials including the Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; Hon. Bukar Talba, representing Monguno, Marte, and Nganzai federal constituency; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Malumbe; and other members of the State Executive Council and Special Advisers.
This development marks a major step forward for higher education in Borno, promising new opportunities for its youth and the region’s growth.
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