By Usman Abubakar, Maiduguri
Borno State has donated N100 million to the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), to enhance research and infrastructural development at the institution.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced the donation while receiving the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai, and principal officers of the university at the Government House in Maiduguri.
He commended the efforts to establish a legislative framework for the university, describing it as crucial for 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 stated.
The governor also announced that the state government would offer scholarships to indigent students from across Borno’s 27 local government areas to study at the university.
“The Commissioner for Education has been directed to look into the possibility of sending children from all the 27 local government areas to the Nigerian Army University. We will look into carrying capacity and see how many we can sponsor,” he added.
Governor Zulum further pledged support for the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences at NAUB to increase the number of doctors and frontline healthcare workers in the state.
He emphasised the need for the three federal universities in Borno, namely the University of Maiduguri, the Nigerian Army University Biu, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Bama, to align their academic programmes with the state’s needs.
“The state government will collaborate with these institutions to prioritise demands based on a needs assessment, ensuring maximum benefit,” Zulum said.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawan Bala Buratai, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and requested additional sponsorship for Borno indigenes to study Engineering and related courses.
“We commend His Excellency for the ongoing construction of staff accommodation. We also appeal for more state-sponsored students in Engineering and technical fields to boost academic enrolment,” Buratai said.
