FG Takes Over Bama College as Permanent Campus of Federal University
By Naijagossiper Official ยท
Photo Credit: Federal ministry of Education/X
The Federal Government has formally taken over the Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology in Bama, Borno State, as the permanent campus of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.
The development followed the signing of a Deed of Transfer, marking a step towards strengthening agricultural education, entrepreneurship, research and food security in Nigeria.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on October 13, 2026, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the transfer as a significant milestone in establishing a foundation for academic excellence, research, innovation and sustainable development.
Ahmad, who was represented at the event by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Folake Davis, said specialised universities could play an important role in improving food security, creating employment opportunities, promoting agricultural innovation and diversifying Nigeria's economy.
She expressed confidence that the institution would become a centre of excellence in agricultural education and entrepreneurship, equipping students and farmers with practical skills to establish businesses, create jobs and improve agricultural productivity.
The minister also stressed the need to expand agricultural education beyond classroom instruction and subsistence farming to include enterprise development, innovation and agricultural value chains.
According to her, this approach would help stimulate economic growth in Borno State and other parts of the country.
Ahmad commended the Borno State Government for its cooperation and support in facilitating the transfer. She also acknowledged the contributions of relevant departments, agencies, legal officers and other stakeholders, particularly the University Education and Legal Departments of the Federal Ministry of Education.
She urged the university's management to maintain and efficiently utilise the facilities, ensure prudent financial management, pursue realistic infrastructure development and uphold academic standards.
The minister further encouraged the institution to establish strategic partnerships with research institutions, agricultural organisations, manpower development agencies, private-sector operators and the host community to maximise its impact.
FG Emphasises Effective Take-Off of University
In her opening remarks, Davis described the university as an innovative initiative with the potential to expand educational opportunities and promote inclusive development.
She highlighted the importance of using human, physical and cultural resources to address local needs through research, skills acquisition, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Davis, however, stressed that signing the Deed of Transfer must translate into the university's effective take-off.
She urged stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, noting that the institution's success would ultimately depend on its operational readiness and ability to fulfil its mandate.
Borno Government Welcomes Transfer
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Yakaru Mustapha, described the transfer as a historic development.
He said the move demonstrated the state government's commitment to education, agricultural development and expanding opportunities for young people.
Mustapha expressed confidence that federal ownership would strengthen the university's resources and research capacity while supporting academic excellence and socioeconomic development.
Meanwhile, the Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Mercy Vivan Agada, provided legal oversight during the process.
Agada ensured that the Deed of Transfer complied with applicable legal and procedural requirements, emphasising the importance of due process and proper documentation in establishing a sound legal foundation for the institution.
The Federal Government's move is expected to provide the university with a permanent campus from which to pursue its mandate in agricultural education and entrepreneurship. However, the institution's operational readiness and implementation of its objectives will be important factors in determining how effectively it delivers on that mandate.