Trending 
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a ₦1 billion take-off fund for the newly created Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama. He made the announcement while receiving an inter-ministerial delegation at the Government House in Maiduguri, where officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Budget Office and the Office of the Head of Service were present for an assessment visit.
The university was established after a bill sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan was signed into law by the President on 22 May 2025. To accelerate its launch, Governor Zulum had earlier handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim Elkanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama to the Federal Government to serve as the temporary site for the new institution.
Governor Zulum said the ₦1 billion support would help ensure a smooth start for the university and instructed the Commissioner for Education to identify priority needs so the funds can be used effectively. He stressed that although the institution belongs to the Federal Government, its presence will bring significant benefits to Borno residents. He added that the state must provide the right environment for the institution to thrive and affirmed that federal tertiary institutions remain integral to the state’s development.
The governor also promised to construct staff housing and offer further assistance where required. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and the Minister of Education for their efforts in bringing the university into existence.
Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education and leader of the federal delegation, said the team was pleased with the facilities inspected in Bama. She noted that staff verification would follow as part of the final preparations before operations begin.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Bukar Talba representing Monguno, Marte and Nganzai federal constituency, Acting Chief of Staff Dr Babagana Malumbe, members of the State Executive Council and Special Advisers.
