Zulum Faults Delay in Take-Off of College, Threatens Leadership Shake-Up
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed commencement of academic activities at a state-supported college despite significant government investments in infrastructure and funding.
As part of efforts to ensure the institution begins operations, the state government constructed a housing estate comprising 12 units of two-bedroom apartments to accommodate lecturers and support staff ahead of the admission of the first batch of students. Additional staff quarters were later commissioned to address accommodation shortages and improve staff retention.
However, Governor Zulum said the management of the institution has failed to demonstrate commitment towards the full take-off of academic programmes.
Speaking during an inspection visit, the governor criticised the pace of progress and questioned the dedication of the institution’s principal officers.
“I am not happy because this college was established about three years ago and the principal officers were appointed, especially the Provost, but to my dismay, he cannot even install a 5kVA solar power system at his office. The office is ghostly; none of them is here, which indicates there is no commitment to move this college forward,” Zulum said.
The governor disclosed that the Borno State Government had already released N200 million as a take-off grant and undertaken extensive renovation works across the institution.
“We have provided N200 million as a take-off grant, and we have renovated almost all the buildings in the college,” he stated.
Zulum added that the state government would not remain passive while the institution remains inactive.
“It is clear that there is no commitment on the side of the principal officers to drive the process and ensure academic activities commence,” he said.
The governor further revealed plans to forward the government’s findings to the Federal Ministry of Education with a recommendation for changes in the institution’s leadership to accelerate the commencement of academic activities.
