The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI family, rises with profound joy to felicitate with an administrator and one of the most dedicated public servants of his generation, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni (SEC 37, 2015), Executive Governor of Borno State, on the joyous occasion of his 57th birthday today, Tuesday, 25th August, 2026.
Governor Zulum occupies a unique and admirable place among Nigeria's serving political leaders. Born on 25th August, 1969, in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, he rose from humble beginnings in the Borno State Civil Service to become an accomplished academic, a respected administrator, and ultimately the Executive Governor of a State confronting one of the most difficult security and humanitarian challenges in the country's recent history.
A trained Agricultural Engineer, Governor Zulum holds a Master's degree from the University of Ibadan and a PhD in Soil and Water Engineering from the University of Maiduguri, where he rose through the academic ranks to become a Professor and later served as Deputy Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. His administrative acumen was further demonstrated during his tenure as Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, and as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, where he led the frontline effort to rebuild communities devastated by insurgency.
As Governor since 2019, and re-elected for a second term in 2023, his administration has been widely recognised for its hands-on, humanitarian-driven approach to governance, including the resettlement of tens of thousands of internally displaced persons, an ambitious infrastructure drive across the State, and unrelenting personal commitment to the stabilisation and recovery of Borno State despite grave personal risk.
The AANI family proudly celebrates this exceptional scholar-administrator and worthy alumnus of our great Association. We pray that Almighty God continues to bless His Excellency with robust health, wisdom, courage, and continued success in his mission to restore peace, dignity, and prosperity to the people of Borno State.
Yours Towards a Better Society,
Engr. Ifeanyi Jude Ngama, mni
National Publicity Secretary,
AANI,
Tuesday, 25th August, 2026.