Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has showered praises on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment and take-off of three strategic federal institutions in the state within three years, describing the development as a landmark intervention capable of reshaping the socio-economic future of the insurgency-ravaged region.
Zulum made the remarks on Sunday in Bama shortly after visiting victims of the devastating windstorm that recently wreaked havoc on parts of the town, destroying homes and public infrastructure.
The Governor singled out the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama; the Federal College of Education, Gwoza; and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, as major milestones that would deepen recovery efforts in Borno and expand opportunities for thousands of residents.
According to him, the institutions would not only provide quality education and specialised healthcare services but also stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen long-term peacebuilding efforts in communities recovering from years of Boko Haram 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 stated.
“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 further noted that the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, also received presidential approval under Tinubu’s administration, a move he said demonstrated genuine commitment to the rebuilding of Borno State and the wider North-East region.
Zulum assured the President that the people of Borno would not forget the federal government’s support, saying the gesture would be reciprocated “at the appropriate time,” a statement widely interpreted as a strong political endorsement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Governor recalled that his administration had already handed over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama, to facilitate the smooth take-off of the newly approved Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship.
He disclosed that the state government also approved the release of N1 billion to support the immediate commencement of academic and administrative activities at the institution.
Beyond the Bama university, Zulum said his administration had committed more than N5 billion to support the establishment and seamless operation of other federal institutions in the state, including the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare.
Analysts believe the establishment of the institutions marks one of the most significant federal educational and healthcare interventions in Borno since the peak of the insurgency, which crippled social infrastructure and displaced millions of people across the North-East.
The institutions are expected to serve as catalysts for development by attracting investments, boosting commercial activities and restoring confidence among residents returning to communities previously devastated by conflict.
As part of his visit to Bama, Governor Zulum also inspected the ongoing construction of the headquarters of the 19 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to sustain security gains and restore full civil authority in liberated communities.
The Governor maintained that lasting peace in Borno can only be achieved through a combination of sustained security operations, aggressive reconstruction efforts and expanded access to education and economic opportunities for the people.
