Professor Babagana Umara Zulum is a rare hybrid, a professor-engineer turned pragmatist governor, whose leadership ethos champions reconstruction, inclusive governance, security, education, health, and cultural preservation in Nigeria’s most resilient state. His transformative policies have restored infrastructure, education equity, food security, and hope to communities once devastated by insurgency.
Zulum balances rebuilding with risk, holding the line amid jihadist resurgence and his recent engagements with the military and federal government illustrate a leader committed to holistic recovery.
His journey from commercial driver to professor, commissioner, and two-term governor exemplifies Nigeria’s potential for visionary leadership when academic grounding meets compassionate governance. Zulum remains a key architect of Borno’s and Nigeria’s future.
Babagana Umara Zulum Biography
Babagana Umara Zulum, born on 25 August 1969 in Mafa, now part of Borno State, rose from humble rural origins to national prominence. He attended Mafa Primary School (1975–1980) and Government Secondary School, Monguno (1980–1985). After earning a National Diploma in Irrigation Engineering at Ramat Polytechnic (1988), Zulum joined University of Maiduguri, earning a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering in 1994. He later completed an M.Eng. from University of Ibadan (1997–1998) and a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Engineering from the University of Maiduguri in 2009.
His journey tremendously shaped by resilience, as detailed in his 16 years as a commercial driver supplementing his studies speaks to a profound dedication to education and service.
Early Career & Academic Ascent
Zulum joined the Borno State Civil Service in 1989 as an Assistant Technical Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture before becoming a Senior Field Overseer and later Principal Water Engineer in local government service. By 2000, he had transitioned to academia as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, and by 2010, he was Deputy Dean and later Acting Dean in the Faculty of Engineering.
In 2011, he took on leadership as Rector of Ramat Polytechnic, blending administrative skill with academic excellence. His academic ascent was marked by published research, professorial titles, and policy engagement.
Political Rise: Reconstruction Commissioner & Governor
In 2015, outgoing Governor Kashim Shettima appointed Zulum as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, entrusting him with repairing communities devastated by Boko Haram. His success in rebuilding schools, clinics, and roads and reintegrating internally displaced persons built public trust.
On 1 October 2018, he won the APC primary and was elected governor on 9 March 2019, securing 1,175,440 vote. He assumed office on 29 May 2019, pledging to sustain recovery efforts.
Governance: Recovery, Security & Infrastructure
Budget of Recovery & Continuity
Zulum’s 2025 budget ₦584.76 billion prioritized healthcare, education, food security, social safety nets, infrastructure, and pensions. Specific appropriations included ₦90 billion for health, ₦70 billion for education, and ₦10 billion allocated to food security and farming initiatives.
Social Investments
He launched a statewide health insurance for civil servants and vulnerable groups, rehabilitated over 100 health centers, and initiated orthopaedic and general hospitals across LGAs. Mega and Islamic schools were built, teacher recruitment was prioritized, and scholarships scaled to support 30,000 students, including internally displaced persons.
Agriculture & Food Security
Through multibillion-naira investments, Zulum funded rain-fed and irrigated farming across 150,000 hectares, procured grains for vulnerable households, and purchased farm inputs to revitalise local production. He also initiated rural funding programs and women’s skill-building centers.
Infrastructure & Market Revitalization
Zulum invested in major roads, bridges, and the construction of a Maiduguri Dry Port. In May 2025, he committed to reconstructing Bama Main Market with durable structures.
Security & Insurgency Response
Borno remains the epicenter of Boko Haram insurgency. Zulum’s security agenda emphasized collaboration with the Nigerian military and federal government. He applauded enhanced military operations and called for forest guards and civilian partnerships to prevent territorial loss.
Recently, he stated over 300,000 repentant Boko Haram members and their families have surrendered validated through holistic military and non-kinetic efforts like reintegration programs.
Personal Life & Awards
A devout Muslim and multiple fellowship holder (FNIAR, FNSE, mni), Zulum is married to Dr. Falmata Umara Zulum, with whom he has several children, though specific details are kept private.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in October 2022 by President Buhari. Colleagues praise his modest, integrity-driven lifestyle and hands-on leadership, exemplified by community visits even in dangerous locations.
Assassination Attempts & Courage
Despite surviving multiple Boko Haram ambushes including attacks in July and September 2020 where IEDs concealed by explosives in animals targeted his convoy, Zulum remained unbowed. He was unharmed in attacks near Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, Lake Chad, and Baga. His resilience boosts morale among citizens and security forces.
Net Worth & Economic Profile
While Zulum maintains modest personal wealth, media estimates vary. PeopleAi suggested around US $1.48 million as of December 2024. The disparity arises from salary, allowances, and limited private investments. As an APC public servant, Zulum demonstrates transparency and ethical stewardship, eschewing flamboyant display amid volatile regional circumstances.
Current Challenges & Engagements
In May 2025, he reaffirmed federal–state cooperation in insurgency reduction and community defense efforts. He introduced reforms for the 2025 Hajj operations, securing support from WAEC and others.
Additionally, he advocated a supplementary ₦61 billion for flood relief and road rehabilitation in late 2024.
