Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged to partner with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army University, Biu, to establish a College of Medical Sciences in the institution,
Zulum made the commitment on Monday when he received the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Awwal Bawa Moriki,
the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai, alongside other management staff on a courtesy visit to Government House, Maiduguri.
The Governor expressed concern over the declining number of medical professionals in Borno and across the country, stressing the need to strengthen tertiary institutions’ capacity to train doctors and other healthcare personnel as part of efforts to address the shortage of doctors and other health workers.
“I want to assure you that Borno State Government will partner with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army University, Biu, with a view to establishing a College of Medical Sciences in the institution,” Zulum said.
He directed the Commissioner for Education, the Vice-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, the Chairman of the Governing Council of Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital, the Chief Medical Director of Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, and the management of the Nigerian Army University Biu to work together on a practical framework for the proposed college.
Zulum explained that the project would require phased implementation, beginning with establishing preclinical departments and complying with relevant regulatory requirements.
“The establishment of a new College of Medical Sciences in a university is not easy. It will take us nothing less than three to four years to actualise this dream, and we have to begin with the establishment of the preclinical departments,” he stated.
As part of preparations, the Governor approved the proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the Nigerian Army University, Biu, to harness the clinical training potential of the State Specialist Hospital.
“Borno State Government has agreed to your proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Army University, Biu, with a view to harnessing the potential of the Specialist Hospital,” he said.
On infrastructure, Zulum directed the university management to submit the proposed building designs to the Commissioner for Education for assessment. He said the state would explore support from the North East Development Commission where feasible.
Vice Chancellor, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai, commiserated with the Governor over the loss of his niece and appreciated Governor Zulum for his outstanding support and commitment to the University’s development.
He thanked the Governor for the recent donation of N100 million and the construction of housing units, which have greatly enhanced teaching and learning at the institution.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur; Commissioners; Special Advisers; the Permanent Secretary, Government House; and other Government officials attended the courtesy visit.
