Zulum Seeks Removal of FCE Gwoza Principal Officers Over Failure to Commence Academic Activities

By tada jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has expressed anger and disappointment over what he described as the poor management of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Gwoza, despite the Borno State Government’s investment of more than ₦200 million to facilitate the institution’s take-off.

During an inspection of the college, Governor Zulum faulted the institution’s leadership for failing to commence meaningful academic activities, accusing its principal officers of lacking the commitment needed to make the college operational.

The Governor recalled that the state government had released ₦200 million as a take-off grant for the 2025/2026 academic session and undertaken a comprehensive rehabilitation of the institution, which was established in 2024, to ensure it was ready to admit its first set of students.

According to him, the college, situated along the Gwoza–Mubi Road, has remained largely inactive despite the substantial support provided by the state government.

Earlier, Zulum had formally handed over the fully remodelled college to the Federal Ministry of Education during a ceremony at the Government House Council Chamber in Maiduguri. However, he said the management had failed to demonstrate the urgency and dedication required to activate the institution.

The former Teachers College Gwoza, now upgraded to a Federal College of Education, has been transformed with over 100 renovated classrooms, modern science laboratories, improved administrative offices and residential quarters for principal officers.

Beyond the rehabilitation, the Governor approved the allocation of the site in July 2023, provided a ₦200 million take-off package and constructed a housing estate comprising 12 two-bedroom apartments for academic staff. Additional staff quarters were also built to address accommodation challenges and encourage staff retention.

Despite these investments, the institution has yet to begin full academic operations.

A visibly displeased Governor Zulum questioned the commitment of the College’s leadership, saying their absence from duty reflected a lack of seriousness.

“I am not happy because this College was established about three years ago and the principal officers were appointed, especially the Provost. To my dismay, he cannot even install a 5kVA solar power system in his office. The office is deserted, none of them is here. This is a clear indication that there is no commitment to move this College forward,” he said.

He stressed that the Borno State Government would not stand by while the institution remained dormant after making significant investments.

“We have provided ₦200 million as a take-off grant and renovated almost all the buildings in the College. It is clear that there is no commitment on the part of the principal officers to drive the process and ensure academic activities commence,” the Governor added.

Governor Zulum disclosed that the state government would formally communicate its findings to the Federal Ministry of Education and recommend changes in the institution’s leadership to enable the College to begin academic programmes without further delay.

“We will forward our findings to the Federal Ministry of Education on how we can change some of the principal officers so that academic activities can resume in this school,” he stated.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to ensure that the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, fulfils its mandate of expanding access to teacher education and contributing to educational development in Borno State and the North-East.

Boko Haram Razes School, Kills Resident in Fresh Attack on Borno Community

By Tada Juth, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a fresh attack on a community in Borno State, killing one resident and setting parts of a secondary school ablaze in Kautikari village, Chibok Local Government Area.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening at the Government Day Secondary School, Kautikari, a community located on the outskirts of the state, reigniting concerns over the safety of schools and rural communities in the insurgency-prone region.

According to local sources, the attackers stormed the village on motorcycles at about 6:45 p.m., targeting the school and other facilities. The assault reportedly killed one resident and destroyed several classrooms by fire.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Education Secretary of Chibok Local Government Area, Malah Kyari, said the affected section of the school was the Junior Secondary School.

“I can confirm that the insurgents attacked the Kautikari community yesterday, killed one person, and set ablaze one block containing five classrooms and an office at Kautikari JSS,” Kyari stated.

The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, also confirmed the attack, noting that security forces successfully repelled the assailants and prevented further destruction.

“They attacked Kautikari village, where they burnt classrooms at the Government Day Secondary School and killed one person, a man,” Daso said.

“The suspected insurgents faced strong resistance from joint security forces, averting further losses. As of now, the area is calm, and intensive patrols are ongoing.”

Daso added that security personnel also thwarted an attempted infiltration by suspected insurgents into Maiduguri later on Saturday night.

The Zonal Inspector for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, overseeing Bama, Chibok, Gwoza, Askira/Uba, and Damboa, Samaila Manza, said authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the attackers.

“I was informed that terrorists attacked the village, but we have not verified the actual extent of the damage they caused,” he said.

Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers and appeared determined to destroy the school infrastructure.

“I learned they entered Kautikari on motorcycles. Many residents have fled for safety. They targeted the school and set it on fire. It was during their entry into the community that a man was killed,” a local source who requested anonymity disclosed.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in southern Borno despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the region.

Zulum Applauds Tinubu, Ribadu, Security Forces as 434 Ngoshe Abductees Regain Freedom

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders for their efforts in securing the release of 434 residents of the Ngoshe community who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents earlier this year.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday in Pulka while receiving a fresh batch of 357 freed captives. He disclosed that dozens of other victims had earlier regained their freedom in separate releases, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 434.

The victims were kidnapped during a Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area located near the Mandara Mountains along Nigeria’s border region.

Zulum praised President Tinubu for his commitment to restoring peace and security in the North-East, noting that the president’s direct involvement played a significant role in facilitating the release of the captives.

According to the governor, the federal government’s determination to tackle insecurity has continued to yield positive results across the country.

“I wish to sincerely thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and dedication to ensuring peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, and local security volunteers, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, vigilantes, and forest guards.

The governor described the operation as a product of strong collaboration among security agencies and community-based security groups working towards the safe return of the abducted men, women, and children.

Explaining the figures, Zulum said the latest group of freed captives accounted for about 357 persons, while others had been released in smaller batches over the past weeks and months.

“We are celebrating with the people of Ngoshe over the return of about 434 abducted residents. The group that was received today constitutes the largest batch, while others had regained their freedom earlier, bringing the total number to 434, he stated.

The governor further revealed that the state government had committed substantial resources to rebuilding the Ngoshe community and creating conditions for the safe return of displaced residents.

He said rehabilitation projects in the area were nearing completion and that discussions were ongoing with community members and security authorities to facilitate a secure and dignified resettlement process.

As part of immediate support measures, Zulum directed the distribution of food supplies and other relief materials to the rescued victims.

He added that the returnees are currently undergoing medical examinations and psychosocial care at a government facility before being reunited with their families and communities.