Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in education, promising to transform tertiary institutions across the state.
Zulum made the commitment on Wednesday when he hosted the Forum of Heads of Tertiary Institutions at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Maiduguri.
The Governor said education remains central to the development of Borno and is critical to preparing young people for a better future while positioning the state as a hub for intellectuals and skilled professionals.
“Education is the bedrock for any meaningful development, and therefore investment in education will never be in vain,” Zulum said.
He said the meeting was convened primarily to address issues surrounding salary arrears, promotions and other benefits owed to staff of tertiary institutions in the state.
“I want to pay, but I want you to review it very well and get back to me within the next one to two weeks,” the Governor told the heads of the institutions.
Zulum also pledged to review the salaries of staff at Ramat Polytechnic and the state’s Colleges of Education, provide funding for the accreditation of academic programmes and recruit academic staff based on the specific needs of institutions.
He further promised the construction, expansion and rehabilitation of infrastructure in selected tertiary institutions across the state.
The Governor identified Abba Ashigar College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies as two institutions requiring particular attention.
According to him, his administration is determined to restore both institutions to their rightful positions and improve their contribution to the development of Borno State.
Zulum directed the Provost of the College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, to reintroduce courses including Office Technology and Auditing to strengthen the skills of local government workers and other middle-level manpower required by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Governor also pledged to rehabilitate staff quarters at Ramat Polytechnic and remodel the students’ hostel at the College of Nursing, Maiduguri, to increase its accommodation capacity.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum of Heads of Tertiary Institutions, the Vice Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Professor Babagana Gutti, commended Governor Zulum for what he described as unprecedented progress in the education sector.
Gutti particularly acknowledged developments at the primary and secondary school levels, as well as the establishment of new federal and state tertiary institutions.
He, however, appealed to the state government to increase funding for tertiary institutions, review staff salaries and approve the recruitment of additional academic and non-academic personnel.
The Vice Chancellor also called for the construction and rehabilitation of staff quarters in institutions where they are lacking or dilapidated, as well as the provision of buses to reduce transportation costs for students.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Acting Head of Service, Acting Chief of Staff, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, permanent secretaries and other senior government officials.
The Governor’s commitments are expected to strengthen the capacity of Borno’s tertiary institutions and improve the welfare of staff and students as the state continues its broader efforts to rebuild and develop the education sector.
