By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara on Thursday promised to build a befitting teaching hospital for the state university in the next one year to herald the commencement of courses in medical sciences.
Though the university has not kickstarted it’s academic programmes, but with admission having commenced the inaugural batch of students are expected to start lectures in few days time.
The governor , who is visitor to the university, made the promise at the historic inauguration of the institution’s first Senate, which held at it’s campus in Maiduguri.
Umara said he has instructed the search for a suitable site near the current campus of the University, for the building of a modern teaching hospital.
He said the teaching hospital which is to be completed in the next one year will meet all the criteria for the award of degrees in medicine and surgery.
The governor also promised that within the next three months, staff quarters of 50 houses will be constructed in the University.
Umara said he was determined to ensure the completion of all ongoing projects preparatory to “a grand commissioning” in January, 2020.
Earlier during the inauguration of the Senate, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Kyari Sandabe said the school will commence academic activities from the 2019/2020 session, following approval by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.
He revealed that the University has admitted the first batch of 268 students from which 198 are for science courses, 138 for courses in social and management sciences, 89 for arts and education while 16 students were admitted for courses in Agriculture.
He said the University was taking off with 33 academic programmes in four faculties of science, arts and education, social and management sciences and the faculty of agriculture.
He said the school is however expected to quickly work towards the addition of three faculties: medicine, engineering and environmental studies in line with a directive issued by the governor.
Sandabe thanked the governor for his commitment, noting that some months ago he released the first statutory fund “which was so substantial that it gave strength to the university” making it possible for the take off of academic programmes.
He revealed that different projects including an additional faculty, the Senate building, roads and water facilities were nearing completion.
The Borno State University was established by law in 2012, granted NUC’s recognition in 2016 while principal officers where appointed in April, 2019 under the administration of then governor, Senator Kashim Shettima.