Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has approved ₦1 billion for the immediate commencement of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.
Zulum announced the approval on Monday while receiving an inter-ministerial delegation on an assessment visit to the Government House, 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 institution was established following a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, which was signed into law by the President on May 22, 2025.
Zulum had earlier handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, to the Federal Government to facilitate the quick commencement of academic activities.
“I want to announce the donation of ₦1 billion for the take off of the University,” Zulum stated. “I hereby direct the Commissioner for Education to facilitate the process and identify the immediate priority areas and gaps to channel the resources.”
He explained the state’s proactive role, saying, “The federal government announced the establishment of the university, but the state has to provide the enabling environment for the immediate take off of the institution.”
“Although the institution belongs to the federal government, the services that would be rendered is for the good people of Borno State,” he added. “For me, every federal institution, especially the tertiary institutions belong to Borno State government.”
The governor also promised to construct staff quarters and provide additional support.
Read also: Zulum calls for strategic joint military operation in Lake Chad
He commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, sponsor of the bill, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, minister of education for ensuring that the university becomes a reality.
Leader of the federal delegation, Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, reported that the team was impressed after inspecting the Bama facility.
“Your Excellency, the team went round the institution this morning and what we saw was quite encouraging,” Rakiya said. “We can tell His Excellency that the institution has everything it needs to take off.”
She confirmed that the institution is ready to begin operations and that the team would proceed with staff verification.
