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

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.