Babagana Umara Zulum has praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, describing the institution as a strategic intervention capable of accelerating economic recovery and educational development across Nigeria’s insurgency-affected North-East region.
Zulum made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to Tunji Alausa in Abuja, where he commended the Federal Government for what he described as a swift and deliberate effort to operationalise the newly established university.
The governor said the rapid appointment of principal officers for the institution reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to expanding access to education and promoting long-term regional stability through human capital development.
According to him, the specialised institution comes at a critical time when the North-East requires targeted investments in agriculture, entrepreneurship, innovation, and research to consolidate gains made in the region’s gradual post-insurgency recovery process.
Zulum noted that the university is expected to serve not only as an academic centre but also as a platform for economic transformation, youth empowerment, and agricultural advancement in Borno State and neighbouring states.
“This institution has the potential to reshape the future of the North-East by producing skilled manpower, driving agricultural innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for thousands of young people,” the governor stated.
He also commended the Minister of Education for supporting the establishment of the institution’s leadership structure and pledged the full support of the Borno State Government toward ensuring a successful take-off.
The governor assured that the state government would provide the necessary collaboration, infrastructure support, and enabling environment required for the university to commence operations effectively.
The newly appointed principal officers of the institution include Tijjani Kalli as Vice Chancellor, Abba Kaka as Registrar, Bashir Subaru as Bursar, and Aishatu Halilu as Librarian.
Analysts view the establishment of the university as one of the most significant federal educational interventions in the North-East in recent years, particularly given Bama’s symbolic importance as one of the communities most affected during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The institution is also expected to complement ongoing Federal Government efforts aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy through agriculture while strengthening vocational education, innovation, and enterprise development.
Education stakeholders believe the university could evolve into a major research and training hub focusing on dryland agriculture, climate-resilient farming, agribusiness development, and rural entrepreneurship — sectors widely considered critical to food security and sustainable economic recovery in the region.
Zulum was accompanied during the visit by Bukar Talba, Chairman of the Borno State Social Investment Programme, Yuguda Vungas Saleh, and elder statesman Mamman Tubo.
Observers say the latest development adds to growing federal initiatives designed to position education as a tool for economic renewal, social stabilisation, and long-term peacebuilding in Northern Nigeria.
