Bama, a seventy-six kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, which borders Chad and Cameroun Republics, and hitherto was headquarters of the Boko Haram, has faced profound challenges due to fourteen years of insurgency, resulting in a weakened agricultural sector, stunted urban and rural development, a disrupted educational system, and severe socio-economic setbacks.
Despite these hardships, Bama, strategically located in the central senatorial zone of the state, bordering the Republics of Cameroon and Chad, holds tremendous potential for growth and development. The region boasts vast expanses of fertile agricultural land, supported by abundant water resources and intersected by four significant rivers. These natural resources position Bama as a potential agricultural hub, capable of not only feeding the local population, but also enhancing cross-border trade with neighboring
countries.
As a result of its strategic political and commercial advantage, Bama has the largest commercial international trade center at Banki, a border town, where various commodities are sold and exchange at weekly market. People from West and Central Africa also come to the market weekly. The area had the biggest agricultural activities, as both raining and dry seasons farmings takes place as well as several orchards which has become a family tradition to so many.
Bama has produced many personalities including the First Republic transportation Minister, Zanna Bukar Dicharima, the Late Col. Kur Mohammed, killed during the first coup, the Internal affairs Minister and Inspector-General of Police for nine, years, Alhaji Kamselem, Two-time ambassador to Germany, Amb. Abba Zoru, Senator Abba Aji, retired perm sect Bakura Kaigama, Prominent business men, such as Alhaji Baba Shehu Shettima Arfo, Prominent Journalists such as BabaKura Abba Jato and Mustapha Mohammed, as well as another top security personnel AbdullLatif Goni.
On behalf of the concerned citizens and indigenes of Bama and stakeholders of Bama Emirate, under the esteemed leadership of His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Umar Ibn-Shehu Kyari, the Chairman and Council members of Bama Emirate Council have thoroughly reviewed the provisions of a Bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama , Borno State .
There is the necessity therefore, to seek the National Assembly support as we present our position on the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama.
As representatives of these stakeholders, and in full alignment with their views, we express our strong and unwavering support for the establishment of the university, based on the following key considerations:
Strategic Importance
Additionally, the areas proximity to international borders provides opportunities for economic
integration and regional collaboration in both agriculture and entrepreneurship, offering a pathway to post-insurgency recovery and sustainable development.
Furthermore, Bamas resilient population, rich cultural heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit make it an ideal location for the proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship. The establishment of this institution would be a catalyst for rebuilding the agricultural sector, fostering innovation, and empowering the local community through education and skill development as the only way of overcoming the impact of the insurgency.
The universitys focus on agricultural education and entrepreneurship will:
- Enhance food security by equipping students with knowledge and skills to improve farming techniques, food production, and processing.
Boost local economies by fostering entrepreneurship, allowing graduates to create small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) that can drive regional development.
- Create job opportunities, reducing unemployment and contributing to peace-building efforts in a
region that has been severely affected by insurgency.
- Provide Comprehensive Vocational Training Programs – The University will offer inclusive
vocational training programmes designed to empower the youth who, due to the prolonged insurgency,
were unable to attend traditional primary and secondary education. These programmes will focus on practical skills that align with the local economy and labor needs, including agriculture, agro-processing, animal husbandry, carpentry, tailoring, and other trades. By providing tailored
educational opportunities for these young people, the university will play a critical role in equipping
them with the skills needed to become self-reliant, contribute to the regions recovery, and actively
participate in the socio-economic development of Bama and Borno State.
Promote Regional and International Collaboration
The Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, is positioned to serve as a key driver of regional cooperation, as it will attract people from neighboring countries for studies due to proximity and that will foster strategic partnerships that will amplify its impact.
The university will collaborate with prominent institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Education, Lake Chad Research Institute, Chad Basin Development Authority, University of Maiduguri, Institute of
Agricultural Research (ABU), Zaria, as well as other national and international universities and research institutes with expertise in agriculture and entrepreneurship. These partnerships will create a dynamic network, focused on research, teaching and the promotion of economic growth in agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors.
Private sector collaborations with agro-industries, venture capital firms, and start-up incubators will
ensure that graduates have the opportunity to innovate, commercialize new products, and establish successful businesses in the agricultural sector.
Research partnerships with leading global universities will enhance the transfer of knowledge and improve research outcomes, fostering advancements in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Public-private partnerships involving local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community groups will be established to facilitate outreach programs, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge to real-world problems through research, innovation, and community development projects.
Inclusivity, Youth, and Gender Empowerment
The Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, will play a critical role in fostering self-employment, economic empowerment, and overall social development, particularly for youth and women, who have historically faced barriers in accessing opportunities. The universitys mission and vision are to
be self-sustaining, reducing its dependence on federal or state governments and agencies, while serving as a catalyst for inclusive development. A cornerstone of this vision is the commitment to youth engagement and gender equality, ensuring that no group is left behind in the regions post-conflict recovery and transformation.
To achieve these goals, the university will prioritize inclusivity across all aspects of its operations, from
admissions to faculty recruitment, research, and outreach programs. Key areas to focus on include:
Promoting Gender Equality: The university should actively promote gender equality, particularly
in fields such as agriculture and entrepreneurship, which are traditionally male-dominated. This
can be achieved by establishing gender equality in student admissions, encouraging women to
apply for leadership positions, and ensuring a balanced representation of both men and women
across the faculty and administration. By doing so, the university will not only challenge gender
norms but also serve as a model of inclusive education for the entire region.
Targeting Youth and IDP Integration: With a large percentage of youth in Borno State having been
affected by insurgency, many have missed out on traditional education. The university must develop
bridging programs and vocational training opportunities specifically tailored to this group, allowing them to acquire skills and education necessary for employment or entrepreneurship. The focus should be on providing flexible learning pathways for those who have been displaced, lacked
formal schooling, or require additional support to reintegrate into the academic environment.
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Immediate Operations
The establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship in Bama offers a
unique opportunity to optimize the use of existing infrastructure within the region. In collaboration
with the Borno State Government, the university can harness the well-developed facilities of the
Umar Ibn Ibrahim Kyari College of Education, Science, and Technology and relocating it to the Technical
College since both are located in Bama. This institution offers significant advantages for the
seamless and immediate commencement of the universitys operations.
Umar Ibn Ibrahim Kyari College of Education, Science, and Technology Bama offers a robust academic
infrastructure, including numerous classrooms, lecture halls, staff offices, student hostels, and staff
quarters. Utilizing this campus would allow the university to hit the ground running, with minimal
modifications needed for it to serve as a higher institution of learning. The presence of hostels and
staff housing would further ease the transition, ensuring that students and faculty have access to
essential facilities from the very beginning.
While Umar Ibn-Ibrahim College of Education, Science, and Technology will be moved to the
Technical College, Bama since it has facility with a lot of classrooms, ample office spaces,
Workshops and a vast expanse of land suitable for future expansion and we are confident the Borno
State Government will assist in relocating the Umar Ibn-Ibrahim College of Education, Science,
and Technology to the Technical College site within the same town.
By making use of this existing institution, the university would significantly reduce the financial and logistical burden typically associated with the acquisition and development of new land. More importantly,there would be no need for land compensationa common challenge in large-scale projectssince the existing facilities are publicly owned and can be transferred or repurposed for university use.
In consultation with other key stakeholders, we are confident that the Borno State Government would be amenable to this arrangement. Given the critical role this university will play in the regions recovery and development, the state government is expected to support the initiative. This collaboration will ensure a smooth and efficient transition, allowing the university to focus on its primary mission of education, research, and community development.
Moreover, the re-purposing of these existing facilities aligns with the states vision for sustainable
development and economic recovery post-insurgency. By optimizing resources, the university will be able to direct more funding towards program innovation, faculty recruitment, student support, and research initiatives, all of which are vital to achieving long-term success.
Through this strategic use of infrastructure, the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship can begin its journey without unnecessary delays, contributing immediately to the socio-economic revitalization of Bama and the wider Borno State.
Mustafa Ibrahim wrote from Bama, Borno State
