Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged to implement far-reaching reforms and upgrade facilities at the Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies and its Higher Islamic College in Maiduguri.
The governor made the commitment on Monday while receiving the report of a 10-member visitation panel constituted to assess the activities, challenges and overall administration of the institution.
Zulum commended the panel for what he described as a thorough and impartial assessment of the college, noting that its members carried out their assignment without fear or favour.
He assured the management, staff and students that the recommendations contained in the report would be carefully considered and implemented without unnecessary delay.
“I want to commend the chairman, members of the committee, provost, management team, and staff of the institution, and I want to assure you that the report of this committee shall be implemented very, very, very soon,” the governor said.
Zulum highlights challenges facing students
Governor Zulum disclosed that he had personally visited the college twice in recent months to gain first-hand knowledge of the conditions under which students and staff operate.
According to him, the visits gave him a better understanding of the difficulties confronting the institution, particularly the challenges faced by students from less privileged backgrounds.
He said he was encouraged by the determination of the students to continue their education despite the limitations confronting the college.
The governor also acknowledged the commitment of lecturers and other members of staff, who, despite limited resources, continued to provide academic services and support to students.
Among the major concerns raised during his visits, Zulum identified inadequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities as one of the pressing challenges requiring government attention.
He also highlighted the exclusion of the institution from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) scheme, noting that the matter would be addressed as part of efforts to improve students’ access to educational support.
Rehabilitation work to begin soon
Zulum said the state government was preparing to commence a rehabilitation exercise at the institution within days.
The planned intervention is expected to focus on improving the learning environment and addressing critical infrastructure gaps affecting students and staff.
The governor’s commitment forms part of broader efforts to strengthen educational institutions in Borno State and expand opportunities for residents seeking legal, Islamic and other forms of higher education.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment where students can learn effectively and develop the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to society.
Governor backs Governing Council
The governor also expressed support for the visitation panel’s recommendation for the establishment of a Governing Council for the college.
According to Zulum, a properly constituted Governing Council would provide stronger institutional oversight and help guide the college towards sustainable development.
He described the recommendation as a positive step and assured the institution that his administration would support efforts to strengthen its governance structure.
The governor also pledged broader institutional support for the management, with the aim of improving administration, academic standards and service delivery.
Focus on the Higher Islamic College
Zulum further indicated that improving facilities at the Higher Islamic section could help attract more students and expand access to Islamic and related educational programmes.
He said strengthening the institution would not only benefit current students but could also create opportunities for more residents of Borno State to pursue further education without having to travel outside the state.
The governor’s latest pledge underscores his administration’s emphasis on improving educational infrastructure and strengthening institutions that provide specialised learning opportunities.
The Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies remains an important institution for students pursuing legal, Islamic and related studies in Borno State.
With the proposed rehabilitation, improved governance structure and efforts to address student welfare concerns, the state government is expected to reposition the institution for better academic performance and sustainable growth.
