From Muhammad Adam, Borno
The proposed NAU Biu medical college has received the backing of Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who pledged state government support for its establishment in partnership with the Federal Government.
Zulum made the pledge 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 management officials during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
The governor said the proposed college would help address the shortage of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Borno State and Nigeria by expanding opportunities for medical training.
He assured the delegation that the state government would work with the Federal Government and the university to actualise the project.
NAU Biu Medical College to Address Doctor Shortage
Zulum directed the Borno State 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 proposed college.
He said the project would require phased implementation, beginning with the establishment of preclinical departments and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
“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,” the governor said.
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As part of the preparations, Zulum approved a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and NAU Biu to facilitate the use of the State Specialist Hospital for clinical training.
He also directed the university management to submit its proposed building designs to the Commissioner for Education for assessment, adding that the state would explore possible support from the North East Development Commission.
In his remarks, Buratai commiserated with the governor over the death of his niece and commended the state government’s support for the university.
He also thanked Zulum for the recent donation of N100 million and the construction of housing units, which he said had improved teaching and learning at the institution.