Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday inaugurated the maiden governing council of the newly-established Borno State University in Maiduguri.
The council has billionaire businessman Mohammed Indimi as its chairman and the university’s pro-chancellor.
Indimi is an in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari. His son Ahmed Indimi is married to Buhari’s daughter Zahra.
Mr Zulum expressed confidence in the calibre of council members whom he said have the capacity to pilot the affairs of the university at its critical moment of development.
He urged the council to formulate policies that would ensure efficiency and prudent management of the varsity’s scarce resources.
Zulum also called on the council to promote synergy with other universities to enhance cooperation and collaboration in teaching and research necessary for the university to grow.
Earlier, the vice-chancellor Prof. Umar Kyari said the university, established in 2019, started academic activities with the matriculation of 645 students in January 2020 with 32 programmes.
Kyari said the university had reached advanced stages of establishing its medical science, engineering and law schools.
In his remarks, Indimi thanked the governor for the appointment and assured that the council would do its best.
“Rules and conditions governing the conduct of students will be strengthened to prevent any unlawful behaviour like cultism, drug abuse and extremism which hinder academic pursuits and destroy society.
“The council will ensure that harmony exists between it and the Senate of the university,’’ he said.
Other members of the council are Prof. Abubakar Mustapha, Prof. Bankole Ogumbameru, Prof. Shettima Bulakarima and Lawan Buba.
