The newly established Borno State University is to commence academic activities this year with 2,500 students, State Commissioner for Higher Education, Malam Ahmad Jaha, disclosed on Tuesday.
Jaha told newsmen in Maiduguri that government was in the process of appointing a Vice-Chancellor and other management staff for the university.
He said that the university would begin operations with five faculties, namely Art, Science, Education, Social Science, and Management Science.
“We are hoping that the university will begin academic activities before the end of the year, with at least 2, 500 students.
“After securing the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) last year, we embarked on the processes of building solid foundation for the take-off of the institution.
“Our target is to set up a world-class university that can stand the test of time, that is why we are following due processes in our actions.
“Presently we are in the process of getting a Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other management staff for the smooth take off of the university,’’ he said.
He pointed out that the management team would be responsible for the implementation of the academic plan and other regulations of the university.
“We are collaboration with the technical committee of the university to ensure that we get the most qualified person as the Vice-Chancellor.
“We want somebody that has interest, somebody that has integrity, somebody with passion for university education, to start working immediately,’’ Jaha said.
The commissioner said provision had been made for two hostels that would accommodate about 500 students while the remaining 2000 would be off campus for the time being.
THE NATION
