Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, paid a surprise visit to the state-owned Ramat Polytechnic where he said he found facilities in dilapidated conditions, thereby suspending the entire management for ‘failing’ in their responsibility. He, however, did not say whether, under his watch as governor, the Polytechnic has been adequately funded.
Zulum was a student of the Polytechnic between 1986 and 1988 where he obtained a National Diploma in Agricultural Engineering.
He later became a rector of the Polytechnic between 2011 and 2015 before foraying into politics where he served as commissioner under his predecessor before becoming governor in 2019.
During the surprise visit, the governor said he was shocked to see the polytechnic’s workshops and laboratories “dead”.
After an assessment of the place, Zulum directed the State’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, to take over the affairs of the school immediately.
“As far as I am concerned, this Polytechnic is dead. Nothing is working. The workshops are not in existence, the mechanical workshop is not working, the agricultural workshop is not working, likewise, the entrepreneurship centre is not working.
“The school is facing myriads of problems, ranging from lack of funding and commitment. As a former student of this polytechnic, a former rector, I have moral stakes in this polytechnic. Insha’Allah, I will not allow this polytechnic to rot during my era as Governor of Borno State. I will do everything possible within my reach to ensure the functionality of this institution Insha Allah.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to take over the affairs for the next six months. The ministry is to ensure that all the Workshops and the laboratories are put back to use as soon as possible.
“The entrepreneurship centre should immediately be put back to use as well. When I was at the Polytechnic as a rector, the entrepreneurship centre was producing nothing less than 10,000 to 20,000 school desks and chairs every month. We produced hospital beddings,” Zulum said.
