Borno State University (BOSU), located in Maiduguri, Nigeria, is a significant institution in the educational landscape of Borno State. Established to address the growing demand for higher education in the region, BOSU has rapidly evolved since its inception. This blog post provides an in-depth exploration of the university's history, establishment, and leadership, particularly focusing on developments around.
Official Website: www.bosu.edu.ng
##Establishment of Borno State University
The vision to create a state university in Borno was initially conceived during the tenure of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and later brought to fruition by Honorable Kashim Shettima, the former Executive Governor of Borno State (2011-2019). The government demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high-quality education by establishing a reputable tertiary institution. This initiative aimed to provide opportunities for numerous Senior Secondary School Certificate holders at a time when competition for university admissions was intense, particularly for candidates from Borno State, which serves as both a catchment area and host community for many institutions.
Recognizing that the existing universities in Nigeria could only accommodate a fraction of the yearly influx of applicants leaving many qualified Borno State indigenes without admission there was an urgent need for a state-owned university. Many students meeting admission requirements were left without placement due to limited capacity in existing institutions, prompting decisive action.
To actualize this vision, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff established a Technical Committee, chaired by the late Professor Muhammad Nur Alkali, to oversee the foundation of Borno State University in Maiduguri. Honorable Kashim Shettima advanced this effort by signing the bill into law in 2012. After Professor Alkali’s passing, the Technical Committee was reconstituted in 2016 under the leadership of Professor Abubakar Mustapha. That same year, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the university’s operations.
In accordance with the Borno State University Law, Honorable Kashim Shettima sought and obtained approval from the Executive Council for the appointment of key university officials. In March 2019, Professor Umar Kyari Sandabe was named the institution’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the university’s establishment.
##Formation of the Technical Committee
To translate this vision into reality, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff established a Technical Committee for the creation of Borno State University. The committee was initially chaired by the late Professor Muhammad Nur Alkali, a respected academic and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri. Following Professor Alkali's demise in 2015, Governor Kashim Shettima reconstituted the committee in January 2016, appointing Professor Abubakar Mustapha as the new chairman. This reactivation underscored the government's unwavering dedication to advancing the university's establishment.
##Infrastructure Development and Funding
The state government demonstrated its commitment to the university's development by allocating substantial funds for infrastructure. Out of the N4 billion earmarked for the project, N3.6 billion was released to facilitate the construction of essential facilities, including the Senate Building and five faculty structures. In March 2016, during an inspection of the construction site in Jimtilo near Maiduguri, Professor Abubakar Mustapha expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work. He urged contractors to meet the September deadline to enable the university to commence operations by October of the same year.
##Appointment of Principal Officers
In line with the Borno State University Law, Governor Kashim Shettima sought and obtained approval from the Executive Council for the appointment of the university's principal officers. In March 2019, Professor Umar Kyari Sandabe was appointed as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, tasked with leading the institution through its foundational years and setting the academic and administrative tone for the university.
##Mission and Vision of Borno State University
BOSU is guided by a clear mission and vision aimed at fostering academic excellence and societal development:
Mission: To provide an excellent, modern, and dynamic environment with adequate facilities conducive for training and research. The university aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for self-employment and to contribute meaningfully to the transformation and accelerated development of Borno State, Nigeria, and the world at large.
Vision: To develop an institution of higher learning that serves as a center of excellence in teaching, learning, and research. BOSU aspires to impart high-quality university education to all, without discrimination, facilitating the rapid transformation of communities.
##Philosophy Underpinning the University
The philosophy of BOSU is anchored on the universality of knowledge, freedom, and service. The university positions itself as a reservoir of knowledge, drawing from the experiences of its immediate environment, the nation, and the global community. It aims to be a center of attraction for those in search of new ideas and pathways for societal advancement.
##Leadership Transitions
Leadership transitions are pivotal in the growth and development of academic institutions. In April 2024, Professor Haruna Dantoro Dlakwa assumed the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor following the completion of Professor Sandabe's tenure. Prior to this appointment, Professor Dlakwa served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Services at BOSU. His appointment was approved by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, reflecting the administration's commitment to maintaining stability and continuity in the university's leadership.
Subsequently, in October 2024, the Governing Council, with the backing of Governor Zulum, appointed Professor Babagana Gutti as the substantive Vice-Chancellor for a single five-year term. Professor Gutti, formerly of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Maiduguri, brings a wealth of academic and administrative experience to BOSU. In his capacity as Vice-Chancellor, he serves as the Chief Executive and Chief Accounting Officer, overseeing all aspects of the university's operations, including human resources, finances, and material resources. He also chairs the Senate and is an ex-officio member of the Governing Council, playing a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the university.
##Student Affairs
The Student Affairs Division of Borno State University is dedicated to supporting and improving students' well-being beyond the classroom while enhancing their overall quality of life. The primary goal of these efforts is to help students excel in their academic pursuits.
Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the conducive learning environment provided to attain a high-quality and well-rounded education. They should also make it a habit to visit the Student Affairs Division regularly for inquiries regarding the available services. Additionally, students are advised to stay informed by reading notices on bulletin boards and other university communication channels.