Zulum emerges UI alumnus of the year

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, emerged as the University of Ibadan’s alumnus of the year 2020, the fifth person to be such honoured since 1973.

He also bagged the distinguished alumnus award of the premier university.

According to a statement, on Saturday, by his spokesperson, Mallam Isa Gusau, the decision to recognize Zulum was reached by all-time graduates of the University from all parts of the world through their alumni association.

Zulum, a professor of soil and water engineering, was a student of the University from 1997 to 1998 during which he bagged an Msc in agricultural engineering, before obtaining his PhD at the University of Maiduguri in 2009.

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The presentation, which was held at Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex at the University of Ibadan had in attendance governors of Osun and Kwara states.

The immediate past president of the association, Dr Kemi Emina, who handed Zulum the award, described the Governor’s performance in office as outstanding.

Zulum was the fifth to win the award since 1973 when the University of Ibadan Alumni Association came into existence, Emina said.

The event had four award categories: life-time achievement, worthy ambassador, most distinguished alumnus and alumnus of the year 2020, and honours to some prominent Nigerians.

Zulum was honoured in two different categories; most distinguished alumnus, and the alumnus of the year 2020.

In their separate remarks, Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola and former Minister of Health, Prof. Issac Adewole both commended Governor Zulum for his quality leadership in Borno.

In his reaction, Zulum said: “I personally see this award as a challenge. Let me assure you that this will further encourage me to do more.”

He also expressed appreciation to his lecturers while he was a student at the University of Ibadan back in 1997 and 1998.

Zulum said he would work on strengthening the relationship between the University of Ibadan and University of Maiduguri.

The Governor was accompanied to the ceremony by former Governor Kashim Shettima, Senators Ali Ndume and Abubakar Kyari, Speaker of the State Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, some principal officers of Borno State House of Assembly, Commissioner of Agriculture, Engr. Bukar Talba, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Protocol, Alhaji Ahmed Sanda.

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazak, at the ceremony received a posthumous award honouring his late father.

Acting Vice chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Adebola Ekanola was also at the event.

The Borno Governor has since 2019, won different awards which include NUJ’s most promising first term Governor, 2019, Muslim personality of the year, 2019; Tell Magazine’s Governor of the year, 2020; Vanguard Newspapers’ personality of the year, 2020; Leadership Newspapers’ personality of the year 2020; Zik prize for leadership, 2020; Silverbird’s special award, 2020; Igbere TV’s Governor of the year, 2020; Community Development Pillar Award, 2020 and BusinessDay Newspapers governor of the year, 2021.