By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated N100 million to the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), to boost research and infrastructural development.
The governor made the announcement while receiving the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawan Bala Buratai, and other principal officers of the university at the Government House in Maiduguri. He described efforts to establish a legislative framework for the institution as vital to its long-term sustainability.
“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 said in a statement issued by his media aide, Abdurraman Bundi.
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Education to explore scholarship opportunities for indigent students from all 27 local government areas of the state to study at the university. He further pledged support for the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences at NAUB to increase the number of doctors and frontline healthcare workers.
Zulum stressed the need for the three federal universities in the state—University of Maiduguri, Nigerian Army University Biu, and Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Bama—to align academic programmes with Borno’s development priorities.
In response, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and appealed for additional sponsorship for indigenes studying Engineering and related courses.
Later, while receiving the leadership of Biu Forum at the Government House, Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable distribution of projects. He pledged continued investments in security, education, infrastructure, and other sectors to improve the lives of residents.
“We are investing heavily in these areas not to please anyone, but because posterity will judge our administration positively,” the governor said.
National Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed, commended Zulum for executing over 90 projects in Biu Emirate. These, he noted, include the Eye and Dental Hospital, a new LGA secretariat, road networks, mega schools, vocational training centres, primary healthcare facilities, and housing estates.
