By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged the state government’s support for the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences at the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAU), as part of efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel in the state and Nigeria.
Zulum gave the assurance on Monday when he received the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Awwal Bawa Moriki; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai; and other members of the management team during a courtesy visit to Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor expressed concern over the declining availability of medical professionals, stressing the need for strategic collaboration between governments and tertiary institutions to expand medical education and strengthen healthcare delivery.
“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,” he said.
To advance the proposal, Zulum 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 NAU Biu to develop a practical framework for the project.
He, however, cautioned that establishing a medical college would require careful planning, phased implementation and compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.
According to him, the process would begin with the establishment of preclinical departments before progressing to other stages necessary for the training of medical students.
“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,” Zulum stated.
Specialist Hospital to Support Clinical Training
As part of the proposed collaboration, the governor approved a proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding between the Borno State Government and NAU Biu to utilise the clinical training facilities and opportunities available at 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.
The arrangement is expected to strengthen the university’s capacity to provide practical clinical training for medical students, subject to the necessary institutional and regulatory approvals.
On infrastructure development, Zulum directed the university management to submit its proposed building designs to the Commissioner for Education for assessment.
He also indicated that the state government would explore possible support from the North East Development Commission to facilitate the project where feasible.
NAU Biu Commends Zulum’s Support
Earlier, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawan Bala Buratai, commiserated with the governor over the death of his niece and expressed appreciation for his continued support for the institution.
Buratai specifically acknowledged the governor’s recent donation of ₦100 million and the construction of housing units, which he said had contributed significantly to improving teaching and learning at the university.
The proposed College of Medical Sciences would represent a further step towards strengthening medical education in Borno State, while potentially expanding the supply of trained healthcare professionals to meet growing demands across the region.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur; commissioners; special advisers; the Permanent Secretary, Government House; and other government officials attended the meeting.
