Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in education, describing it as central to securing the future of young people and positioning Borno as a hub for intellectuals and skilled professionals.
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‎The Governor stated this on Wednesday while hosting the Forum of Heads of Tertiary Institutions at the Council Chambers, Government House, Maiduguri.
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‎Zulum announced plans to review staff salaries at Ramat Polytechnic and the state’s Colleges of Education, provide funding for the accreditation of academic programmes, recruit academic staff based on institutional needs, and construct, expand and rehabilitate infrastructure in some institutions.
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‎“Education is the bedrock for any meaningful development, and therefore investment in education will never be in vain,” Zulum said.
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‎He said the meeting was convened to address one fundamental issue: the payment of salary arrears and the implementation of promotions and benefits for staff of tertiary institutions in the state.
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‎“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,” he added.
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‎The Governor said his administration will prioritize the transformation of two institutions — Abba Ashigar College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies — to restore them to their rightful place in society.
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‎He directed the Provost of Abba Ashigar College to reintroduce courses such as Office Technology and Auditing to enhance the capacity of local government staff, noting that the college was established to provide skilled middle-level manpower for Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the state.
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‎Zulum further pledged to rehabilitate staff quarters at Ramat Polytechnic and remodel the students’ hostel at the College of Nursing, Maiduguri, to accommodate more students.
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‎Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Vice Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Professor Babagana Gutti, commended the Governor for the unprecedented progress recorded in the education sector, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and for the establishment of new federal and state tertiary institutions.
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‎He, however, appealed for additional funding to run the institutions, a review of staff salaries, recruitment of more academic and non-academic staff, construction of staff quarters where they are lacking, rehabilitation of existing ones, and the provision of buses to ease students’ transportation costs.
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‎The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Acting Head of Service, the Acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, and other government officials.
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Zulum Pledges Salary Review, Infrastructure Upgrade For Borno Tertiary Institutions
