By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed concern over the management of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Gwoza, saying the institution has yet to commence full academic activities despite significant support from the state government.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Abdulrahman Bundi, Governor Zulum said the Borno State Government had provided more than ₦200 million as a take-off grant and completed extensive rehabilitation of the college’s facilities.
According to the governor, the institution, formerly owned by the Borno State Government, has been upgraded with more than 100 renovated classrooms, modern laboratories, administrative offices and staff quarters. The state also constructed a housing estate with 12 two-bedroom units and additional accommodation for academic staff.
Zulum said he was disappointed by what he described as the slow pace of preparations for the commencement of academic programmes. “I am not happy because this college was established about three years ago, yet there has not been sufficient progress towards making it fully operational,” the governor said.
He added that the state government would forward its observations to the Federal Ministry of Education for consideration, including recommendations on measures to facilitate the commencement of academic activities.The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the institution and said the government would continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure the college becomes fully operational.The management of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, had not publicly responded to the governor’s remarks at the time of publication.
