Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of three major federal institutions in Borno State, describing the development as a significant boost to the recovery and socio-economic transformation of the insurgency-affected region.
Zulum gave the commendation on Sunday in Bama shortly after visiting victims of a recent windstorm that destroyed homes and public infrastructure in parts of the town.
The governor identified the newly approved institutions as the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, the Federal College of Education and the National Orthopaedic Hospital.
According to him, the institutions would provide access to quality education and specialised healthcare services while also stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts across communities recovering from years of insurgency.
“I want to draw your attention to the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, just two days ago,” Zulum said.
“The pioneer principal officers were appointed. This is a remarkable achievement, and we want to hail the President for what he has done.”
The governor noted that the approvals for the Federal College of Education in Gwoza and the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare further demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to rebuilding Borno State and the wider North-East region after years of devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Zulum assured the President that the people of Borno appreciated the interventions and would remain grateful for the support provided by the Federal Government.
He recalled that the state government had earlier handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology to facilitate the smooth take-off of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship.
The governor also disclosed that his administration approved the release of N1 billion to support the immediate commencement of academic and administrative activities at the university.
Beyond the Bama institution, Zulum said the state government had committed more than N5 billion to support the establishment and operation of other federal institutions in the state, including the Federal Polytechnic, the Federal College of Education in Gwoza and the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare.
Observers believe the establishment of the institutions represents one of the most significant federal educational and healthcare interventions in Borno since the peak of insurgency that destroyed infrastructure and displaced millions across the North-East.
The institutions are expected to drive development by attracting investment, boosting commercial activities and restoring confidence among residents returning to communities previously affected by conflict.
As part of his visit to Bama, Zulum also inspected the ongoing construction of the headquarters of the 19 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, reiterating his administration’s commitment to sustaining security gains and restoring normalcy in liberated communities.
The governor maintained that enduring peace in Borno would depend on sustained military operations, aggressive reconstruction efforts and expanded access to education and economic opportunities for residents.
