UNIMAID attacks: Borno Governor addresses Senate

... 'Shettima has been one of UNIMAID's backbones' - Pro-Chancellor

Governor Kashim Shettima on Wednesday addressed the Senate, (the highest academic organ) at the University of Maiduguri ‎with his remarks focusing on measures being taken by the Borno State Government to forestall serial suicide attacks on the eastern portion of the University by Boko Haram insurgents.

The Governor was invited by the University to address its Senate, Management and a cross section of Professors, other senior academic and non academic staff. Shettima is a product of the University having obtained a Degree in Agricultural Economics in 1989 and worked as a Lecturer for three years.

The Governor arrived the University at about 2:30 pm and was received by the University's Vice Chancellor after which he was dressed in procedural academic gown before ushered into the Senate Chambers where his address was anxiously being awaited.

In his address, which elicited spontaneous standing ovation, Governor Shettima enumerated steps being taken by his administration as well as the assurances of the acting President, Yemi Osinbajo as well as the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu towards efforts already being made to ensure the fencing of the 27 kilometres eastern portion of the University which has been without fence and through which Boko Haram insurgents have been making serial suicide attacks on the University.

"UNIMAID is a Federal institution but it is located in Borno, hence it is our responsibility to safeguard it. Besides, apart from Borno State Government, UNIMAID is the second highest employer of labour, it produces 90% of the the human resources working at all levels of Borno State and salaries paid to UNIMAID staff by the Federal Government recharges the local economy of Borno State. These and the fact that majority of us are products of the University, makes us emotionally attached to the University. As you are aware, we have released funds, trenches are being dug to secure the exposed portions. We are also handing over some security gadgets with night vision aides to enhance surveillance around the University. Last week, I met the acting President, I also met the Chief of Staff to the President and discussed with the Minister of Education Abuja, they have all assured me of me efforts being made by the Federal Government to fast-track intervention towards the fencing of porous areas in the University. I will urge the University community to exercise patience. We will do everything to ensure that this University which defied all kinds of threats in previous years, is not closed on accounts of Boko Haram. The best way to say to Boko Haram is to protect and preserve this cetadel of learning" Shettima said.

Before Governor Shettima's visit to UNIMAID's Senate, the newly reconstituted Governing Council of the University was at the Government House for introduction. ‎The council was led by the University's Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Professor Biodun Adesanya alongside top management of the University including the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi.

During the visit, the Pro-Chancellor paid glowing tribute to Shettima citing instances of the Governor’s in‎tervention in construction of staff houses to increase access to housing for staff in addition to drilling boreholes in increase water supply in the University.

"Your Excellency, the University of Maiduguri community cannot thank you enough. I have seen all your interventions in UNIMAID. Yesterday, we went to assess the trenches you are digging to secure the University, we even saw hundreds of blocks and cement your government has supplied and work is ongoing. We are very grateful to you. The University of Maiduguri is very proud of having an alumni like you" the Pro-Chancellor said

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