The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, was on Saturday conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Yobe State, in recognition of his contributions to educational development and public service.
Governor Buni was honoured alongside Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Minister of Police Affairs and former Yobe Governor, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam; President of the 9th Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan; Emir of Lafia, Alh. Sidi Mohammed Bage; and former Head of the Federal Civil Service, Alh. Bukar Goni Aji.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony held at the university campus in Gashua, Gov. Buni underscored the significance of education in national development, describing it as a fundamental driver of progress and prosperity.
“Since time immemorial, education has been a major factor for development. As former U.S. President Barack Obama said, ‘Education is the currency of today’s economy’. This is why governments across the world accord high priority to education,” the governor said.
Buni recounted the adverse impact of insurgency on the education sector in Yobe State, noting that many schools were destroyed while teachers and students were either killed or displaced.
“The insurgency was deliberately intended to make western education unattractive and unfashionable,” he said.
He, however, noted that his administration had responded decisively by declaring a state of emergency on primary and basic education on May 29, 2019 — the very day he assumed office.
“As part of our response, we significantly increased budgetary allocation to the education sector to empower the Ministries of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and that of Basic and Secondary Education to implement key projects and policies,” Buni stated.
The governor lauded the resilience of the people of Yobe in reviving education in the state, expressing optimism that the honorary award would further inspire the recipients to remain committed to nation-building and public service.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Maimuna Waziri, said the awardees were carefully selected for their meritorious service to Nigeria and humanity, especially in the fields of education, leadership, and governance.
The Federal University Gashua, established in 2013, has continued to expand its academic and research capacities while honouring distinguished personalities who have made exceptional contributions to national development.
