Governor Zulum Faults FCE Gwoza Management Over Poor Performance
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Gwoza, accusing the institution’s management of failing to demonstrate the commitment needed to commence full academic operations despite receiving significant government support.
The governor’s concerns come after the Borno State Government invested more than N200 million in take-off grants and carried out an extensive rehabilitation of the institution’s facilities to ensure a smooth commencement of academic activities.
Massive Government Investment Yet No Academic Progress
Speaking after previously handing over the fully renovated college to the Federal Ministry of Education during a ceremony at the Government House Council Chamber in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum lamented that the institution has remained largely inactive despite the huge public investment.
The Federal College of Education, Gwoza, formerly known as Teachers College Gwoza, underwent a complete transformation funded by the Borno State Government. The renovation included over 100 modern classrooms, upgraded science laboratories, administrative offices, staff quarters, and other essential infrastructure aimed at creating a conducive learning environment.
In addition, Governor Zulum approved a N200 million take-off grant, allocated the college site in July 2023, and directed the complete rehabilitation of the institution to accelerate its operational readiness.
Housing and Infrastructure Provided for Staff
As part of efforts to support the institution, the Borno State Government also constructed a housing estate comprising 12 two-bedroom housing units for lecturers and other staff members.
Additional residential quarters were later commissioned to improve staff accommodation, encourage retention, and ensure the institution had the necessary human resources to begin academic programmes without delay.
Governor Questions Commitment of Principal Officers
Despite these interventions, Governor Zulum expressed disappointment over what he described as the lack of seriousness displayed by the college’s leadership.
”I am not happy because this college was established about three years ago, and the principal officers, especially the Provost, were appointed. To my surprise, he cannot even install a 5kVA solar power system in his office. The office is virtually empty, and none of the principal officers is present. This clearly shows a lack of commitment to move this college forward,” the governor said.
He stressed that the Borno State Government had fulfilled its obligations by providing financial support and rehabilitating nearly all the college’s infrastructure, adding that the responsibility now rests with the institution’s management.
Possible Leadership Changes Under Consideration
Governor Zulum disclosed that the state government would submit its findings to the Federal Ministry of Education with recommendations that could lead to changes in the institution’s leadership.
According to him, replacing underperforming principal officers may be necessary to enable the college to begin academic activities and fulfil its mandate of training qualified teachers.
”We will forward our findings to the Federal Ministry of Education on how some of the principal officers can be changed so that academic activities can finally commence in this institution,” he stated.
Importance of FCE Gwoza to North-East Education
The Federal College of Education, Gwoza, is expected to play a critical role in addressing teacher shortages and improving educational standards across Borno State and the North-East region.
Education stakeholders believe that the institution’s successful take-off will expand access to quality teacher education, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the long-term rebuilding of communities affected by years of insurgency.
In conclusion, Governor Zulum’s remarks underscore growing concerns over the pace of progress at the Federal College of Education, Gwoza. While the Borno State Government has invested heavily in infrastructure, funding, and staff welfare, the governor insists that institutional leadership must demonstrate greater commitment to ensure the college becomes fully operational and begins delivering on its educational mandate.
