Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N100 million to the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), as part of ongoing efforts to boost research, infrastructure, and capacity development at the military-run institution.
The donation was announced during a courtesy visit by NAUB Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai, and other top university officials to the Government House in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum commended the university’s progress and affirmed his administration’s continued support, especially as legislative efforts to establish a solid legal framework for the university’s long-term sustainability gain momentum.
“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,” Zulum stated.
In a significant gesture aimed at improving access to education, the governor revealed plans to offer scholarships to indigent students from all 27 local government areas of the state. He directed the Commissioner for Education to assess the feasibility of sponsoring students at NAUB, subject to the university’s carrying capacity.
Governor Zulum also pledged support for the proposed establishment of a College of Medical Sciences at the university, citing the urgent need to address the shortage of doctors and healthcare professionals in Borno.
He emphasized the importance of aligning academic programs with the needs of the state, calling for greater collaboration between the state government and Borno’s three federal institutions: the University of Maiduguri, NAUB, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.
“The state government will collaborate with these institutions to prioritise programmes based on needs assessments, ensuring maximum benefit for our people,” Zulum added.
Responding, Vice Chancellor Professor Buratai expressed gratitude for the governor’s sustained backing and called for additional state-sponsored admissions, particularly in engineering and technical disciplines, to boost student intake and capacity building.
“We commend His Excellency for the ongoing construction of staff accommodation and appeal for more scholarships for Borno indigenes in technical fields,” Buratai said.
In a separate meeting with members of the Biu Forum, Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state. He stressed that investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security are based on long-term strategic value rather than political expediency.
“We are investing heavily in these areas not to please anyone, but because posterity will judge our administration positively,” he remarked.
Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed, National Chairman of the Biu Forum, praised Zulum’s developmental strides, noting that over 90 projects have been executed in the Biu Emirate alone.
These include the construction of an Eye and Dental Hospital, new local government secretariat, road networks, mega schools, vocational training centres, healthcare facilities, and housing estates.