Borno set to get another federal university

BY YUNUSA BUNU ZANNA, OCTOBER 28, 2024 | 08:01 PM

A new federal university, to be known as Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship is set to be established in Bama, Borno State, a step for the region’s post-insurgency recovery.

This initiative, led by Senator Shehu Lawan Kaka of Borno Central Senatorial District, has sparked excitement and optimism among Borno’s leaders and residents.

The university aims to revitalize Bama, once a thriving hub for agriculture and commerce before the Boko Haram insurgency caused widespread devastation.

Strategically located near the borders of Cameroon and Chad, Bama offers fertile land and abundant water resources, making it an ideal location for an institution focused on agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Senator Kaka emphasized the university's mission to empower students with both academic knowledge and practical skills to foster self-employment.

The university’s curriculum will leverage Bama’s resources to focus on sustainable agriculture, innovative food production, and entrepreneurial training.

Local stakeholders, including the Shehu of Bama, submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly on Monday, underscoring the urgency and importance of the university’s mission.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has pledged to expedite the university’s establishment by transferring facilities from the Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science, and Technology.

Speaking at a recent public hearing for the bill, Senator Kaka reaffirmed the commitment to rapid development.

The institution will also prioritize inclusivity, focusing on empowering women and internally displaced persons.

Scholarship programs, financial aid, and mentorship will be available to ensure broad access to education.

Partnerships with national and international institutions are also planned to bolster research and innovation.

With the bill for the university’s establishment passing its second reading in the National Assembly, a delegation from Bama attended a public hearing on October 28, 2024, to advocate for its swift passage.

The memorandum states this: 'Recognizing the importance of speaking with a collective voice, we have come together far and near to consolidate our perspectives into this single memorandum. The wide-ranging support and collaboration behind this document is reflected in the significant number of signatories, which I present to you here today.

'On behalf of the concerned citizens and indigenes of Bama and stakeholders of Bama Emirate, under the esteemed leadership of His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, the Chairman and Council members of Bama Emirate Council have thoroughly reviewed the provisions of the BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP BAMA, BORNO STATE.

'We pray that you members of this Distinguished Senate recognize this important initiative for our community, region and the nation. May it see the potential for growth, empowerment, and economic revitalization that this university will bring.’

'As representatives of these stakeholders, and in full alignment with their views, we express our strong and unwavering support for the establishment of the university, based on the following key considerations and our position on the Bill are as follows:

1. Strategic Importance Borno State, particularly Bama Local Government Area that was taken as headquarters of the Boko Haram, has faced profound challenges due to fourteen years of insurgency, resulting in a weakened agricultural sector, stunted urban and rural development, a disrupted educational system, and severe socio-economic setbacks.

Despite these hardships, Bama, strategically located in the central senatorial zone of the state, bordering the Republics of Cameroon and Chad, holds tremendous potential for growth and development. The region boasts vast expanses of fertile agricultural land, supported by abundant water resources and intersected by four significant rivers.

'These natural resources position Bama as a potential agricultural hub, capable of not only feeding the local population but also enhancing cross-border trade with neighboring countries. Additionally, the area’s proximity to international borders provides opportunities for economic integration and regional collaboration in both agriculture and entrepreneurship, offering a pathway to post- insurgency recovery and sustainable development.”

'Furthermore, Bama’s resilient population, rich cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit make it an ideal location for the proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship. The establishment of this institution would be a catalyst for rebuilding the agricultural sector, fostering innovation, and empowering the local community through education and skill development as the only way of overcoming the impact of the insurgency.

'The university’s focus on agricultural education and entrepreneurship will: • Enhance food security by equipping students with knowledge and skills to improve farming techniques, food production, and processing. • Boost local economies by fostering entrepreneurship, allowing graduates to create small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can drive regional development. • Create job opportunities, reducing unemployment and contributing to peace-building efforts in a region that has been severely affected by insurgency. • Provide Comprehensive Vocational Training Programs-

'The University will offer inclusive vocational training programs designed to empower the youth who, due to the prolonged insurgency, were unable to attend traditional primary and secondary education.

'These programs will focus on practical skills that align with the local economy and labor needs, including agriculture, agro- processing, animal husbandry, carpentry, tailoring, and other trades. By providing tailored educational opportunities for these young people, the university will play a critical role in equipping them with the skills needed to become self-reliant, contribute to the region’s recovery, and actively participate in the socio-economic development of Bama and Borno State.

'2. Promote Regional and International Collaboration The Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, is positioned to serve as a key driver of regional cooperation, as it will attract people from neighboring countries for studies due to proximity and that will foster strategic partnerships that will amplify its impact.

'The university will collaborate with prominent institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Education, Lake Chad Research Institute, Chad Basin Development Authority, University of Maiduguri, Institute of Agricultural Research (ABU), Zaria, as well as other national and international universities and research institutes with expertise in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

'These partnerships will create a dynamic network focused on research, teaching, and the promotion of economic growth in agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors. • Private sector collaborations with agro-industries, venture capital firms, and startup incubators will ensure that graduates have the opportunity to innovate, commercialize new products, and establish successful businesses in the agricultural sector. • Research partnerships with leading global universities will enhance the transfer of knowledge and improve research outcomes, fostering advancements in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.

• Public-private partnerships involving local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups will be established to facilitate outreach programs, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge to real-world problems through research, innovation, and community development projects.

“3. Inclusivity, Youth, and Gender Empowerment The Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, will play a critical role in fostering self- employment, economic empowerment, and overall social development, particularly for youth and women, who have historically faced barriers in accessing opportunities.

“The university’s mission and vision are to be self-sustaining, reducing its dependence on federal or state governments and agencies, while serving as a catalyst for inclusive development. A cornerstone of this vision is the commitment to youth engagement and gender equality, ensuring that no group is left behind in the region’s post-conflict recovery and transformation.

“To achieve these goals, the university will prioritize inclusivity across all aspects of its operations, from admissions to faculty recruitment, research, and outreach programs. Key areas to focus on include: • Promoting Gender Equality: – The university should actively promote gender equality, particularly in fields such as agriculture and entrepreneurship, which are traditionally male-dominated.

“This can be achieved by establishing gender equality in student admissions, encouraging women to apply for leadership positions, and ensuring a balanced representation of both men and women across the faculty and administration. By doing so, the university will not only challenge gender norms but also serve as a model of inclusive education for the entire region.

• Targeting Youth and IDP Integration: – With a large percentage of youth in Borno State having been affected by insurgency, many have missed out on traditional education. The university must develop bridging programs and vocational training opportunities specifically tailored to this group, allowing them to acquire skills and education necessary for employment or entrepreneurship. The focus should be on providing flexible learning pathways for those who have been displaced, lacked formal schooling, or require additional support to reintegrate into the academic environment.

“4. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Immediate Operations • The establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama offers a unique opportunity to optimize the use of existing infrastructure within the region. In collaboration with the Borno State Government, the university can harness the well-developed facilities of the Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science, and Technology and relocating it to the Technical College since both are located in Bama.

“This institution offers significant advantages for the seamless and immediate commencement of the university’s operations. • Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science, and Technology Bama offers a robust academic infrastructure, including numerous classrooms, lecture halls, staff offices, student hostels, and staff quarters. Utilizing this campus would allow the university to hit the ground running, with minimal modifications needed for it to serve as a higher institution of learning.

” The presence of hostels and staff housing would further ease the transition, ensuring that students and faculty have access to essential facilities from the very beginning. • While Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science, and Technology will be moved to the Technical College Bama since it has facility with a lot of classrooms, ample office spaces, Workshops and a vast expanse of land suitable for future expansion and we are confident the Borno State Government will assist in relocating the Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science, and Technology to the Technical College site within the same town.

By making use of this existing institution, the university would significantly reduce the financial and logistical burden typically associated with the acquisition and development of new land. More importantly, there would be no need for land compensation—a common challenge in large-scale projects—since the existing facilities are publicly owned and can be transferred or repurposed for university use. in consultation with other key stakeholders, we are confident that the Borno State Government would be amenable to this arrangement.

“Given the critical role this university will play in the region’s recovery and development, the state government is expected to support the initiative. This collaboration will ensure a smooth and efficient transition, allowing the university to focus on its primary mission of education, research, and community development. Moreover, the repurposing of these existing facilities aligns with the state’s vision for sustainable development and economic recovery post-insurgency.

“By optimizing resources, the university will be able to direct more funding towards program innovation, faculty recruitment, student support, and research initiatives, all of which are vital to achieving long-term success. Through this strategic use of infrastructure, the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship can begin its journey without unnecessary delays, contributing immediately to the socio-economic revitalization of Bama and the wider Borno State.

“Comment on the Bill Section 3 (1): (d). Deputy Vice-Chancellors. Section 6 (1): (a). The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. (b). the Vice-Chancellor, Member (c). The Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Members (h). Two persons appointed by the Convocation from among its members. (i). The Registrar, Secretary. Section 7 (5) Subject to this Act and Statutes, the Council upon recommendation by its Finance and General Purposes Committee may……….

“This would align with subsection (6). (7)…fixed by extant government circulars should be replaced by fixed and approved by the governing council.

Section 8 Among the functions of the senate, there should be a subsection outlining the closing and opening of the university. 26 (1) “teacher” means a person holding a full-time appointment as a member of the teaching or teaching and researching staff of the university. First Schedule Deputy Vice-Chancellor (3) (a). Deputy Vice-Chancellors shall…….. (b) either of the DVCs Third Schedule The Council (2) stating 1st August is not clear. The Finance and General-Purpose Committee (b) the Vice-Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellors

The Senate 3(1) (b) The Deputy Vice-Chancellors (g) should be expunged. Congregation 4 (1) (a)…..DVCs Suggestion The relevant portion of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993, outlining the appointments and tenure of principal officers should be provided in the act.

“Recommendations on the Establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama a. Bama is a region with untapped potential due to its strategic location and vast natural resources, including fertile agricultural land and water bodies.

b. The institution will contribute to food security, job creation, and peace-building by training students in agriculture and entrepreneurship, thereby supporting regional recovery efforts.

c. These programs will empower youth to become self-reliant and contribute to Borno State’s socio-economic development.

d. The university will collaborate with local and international organizations such as FAO, IFAD, and other leading institutions and universities to enhance research and knowledge exchange.

e. Partnerships with the private sector, including agro-industries and venture capitalists, will ensure students can commercialize their innovations and contribute to regional economic growth.

f. The university will actively promote gender equality by providing scholarships, financial aid, and mentorship programs for women and marginalized groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), and physically challenged persons.

g. The university can utilize the well-developed infrastructure of the Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education in Bama, which offer classrooms, staff offices, student hostels, and expandable land.

h. By repurposing these existing institutions, the university can start operations immediately, reducing the financial burden of new land acquisition and construction.

i. Collaboration with the Borno State Government will ensure a smooth transition and readiness for academic activities without delays.

Prayers It is our prayers as we humbly come before you, seeking for your support as we present our position on the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.

We pray that you members of this Distinguished Senate recognize this important initiative for our community, region and the nation. May it see the potential for growth, empowerment, and economic.revitalization that this university will bring.

It is our fervent prayers for the God Almighty to Grant the Senate wisdom and unity in their decision- making, and may they act in the best interest of the people of Bama, Borno State and the Nation.

Bama, a seventy six kilometers from.Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, which Boaders Chad and Cameroun republics, had three different colonial administration as a result of it’s strategic political and commercial advantage.

The Germans were there during the first world war. The French later came in u till the then League of nation took over.

Bama has the largest commercial international trade center at Banki, a boarder town, where various commodities are sold and exchange at weekly market. People from West and central Africa also come to the market weekly.

The area had the biggest agricultural activities, as both raining and dry seasons farming’s takes place as well as several orchards which has become a family tradition to so many.