An accomplished Agricultural Engineer, Administrator & Humanist, Professor Babagana Umaru Zulumobtained his academic and professional education in Nigeria and overseas. Among his qualifications are: National Diploma in Irrigation Engineering, Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, and Ph.D. in Soil & Water Engineering. He also attended the National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies, Kuru-Jos.
Professor Babagana Zulum started his working career as an Assistant Technical Officer in the Borno State Ministry of Agriculture. There was a challenging interlude in self-employment and further studies before he joined the University of Maiduguri (UniMaid) as an Assistant Lecturer in the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering. Over the years, he successively served as Deputy Dean and Dean of the Faculty and rose to the rank of Professor.
In the interim, he was appointed Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, which he was familiar with as a student. He literally served in that capacity for free as he opted to retain his meagre salary a UniMaid where he also gave some lecture hours.
On account of his sterling performance at Ramat Polytechnic, Professor Babagana Zulum was further pressed into service as Borno State’s pioneer Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation & Resettlement. Despite the extreme security challenges, this man of vision acquitted himself creditably. Among other attainments, he oversaw and coordinated the reconstruction of over 30,000 re-settlement homes, schools, hospitals and other vital publicservices. These facilitated the steady restoration of civil authority across theState and the consequent return of Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) to communities in at least 14 Local Government Areas.
In the interim again, Professor Babagana Zulum sustained his teaching functions at UniMaid.
At the dawn of fresh general elections in 2019, Professor Babagana Zulum was popular choice for the post of Governor of Borno State; and he duly won the elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His people-oriented approach to governance and achievements in office to date are well-documented and appreciated even nationally. As a matter of fact, in one year, the Zulum administration delivered 326 physical projects and 49 capital-intensive programmes and policies. By year two, there were 556 capital projects which included 194 on Education.
Acknowledged as Borno State’s chief humanitarian officer, Professor Babagana Zulum is literally on ground all the time even at personal risk to ensure the delivery of good governance to his constituents many of who have been traumatised by security challenges.
Deservedly, He has earned Fellowships from many high-end professional bodies, including: National Postgraduate College, Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers, and Nigerian Institute of Architects, 2021.
Recognition has also come from many other sources for this Performing Governor. The awards include: Ordre National Du Niger Grand Officer (Niger Republic’s second-highest national honour);Zik’s Prize for Leadership 2020; NUJ’s Most-Promising First-Term Governor; Muslim Personality of the Year; Leadership and Vanguard Newspapers Personality of the Year 2020; University of Ibadan Alumni of the Year &Most Distinguished Alumni Award2020; and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Human Rights Award2021.
He is happily married with children.
Ladies & Gentlemen, we invite His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum to receive the Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Excellence in Leadership and Good Governance.
Congratulations, Sir!