Tinubu’s Bama Agric University Signals New Push To Rebuild North-East Through Education, Innovation — Zulum
By Bukar BOLORI
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum on Thursday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama, describing the move as a strategic intervention capable of transforming the educational and economic landscape of Nigeria’s insurgency-ravaged North-east.
Zulum, who spoke during a visit to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in Abuja, said the rapid appointment of principal officers for the institution demonstrates what he called the Tinubu administration’s “clear commitment” to expanding educational opportunities and accelerating regional recovery through human capital development.
The governor said the creation of the specialised university comes at a critical period when the North-east requires targeted investments in agriculture, entrepreneurship, research and innovation to consolidate gains recorded in the region’s gradual post-insurgency rebuilding process.
He praised the Federal Government for moving swiftly to operationalise the institution, noting that the appointment of a substantive management team reflects seriousness of purpose and readiness to commence academic activities without delay.
According to Zulum, the university is expected to serve not only as an academic institution but also as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment and agricultural transformation 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 said.
He further commended the Minister of Education for supporting the emergence of the institution’s leadership structure and pledged the full backing of the Borno State government toward ensuring a smooth take-off.
Zulum assured that the state government would provide necessary collaboration, infrastructure support and enabling conditions needed for the university to commence operations successfully.
The newly appointed principal officers include Tijjani Kalli as Vice Chancellor, Abba Kaka as Registrar, Bashir Subaru as Bursar, and Aishatu Halilu as Librarian.
Analysts say the establishment of the university represents 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 hardest hit during the peak of Boko Haram insurgency.
The institution is also expected to complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture while strengthening vocational education, innovation and enterprise development.
Education stakeholders believe the university could emerge as a major research and training hub focused on dryland agriculture, climate-resilient farming, agribusiness development and rural entrepreneurship — sectors considered critical to economic recovery and food security in the region.
The governor was accompanied during the visit by Bukar Talba, Chairman of Borno State Social Investment Programme, Yuguda Vungas Saleh, and elder statesman Mamman Tubo.
The latest development adds to a growing list of federal initiatives aimed at repositioning education as a tool for stabilisation, economic renewal and long-term peacebuilding in northern Nigeria.
