VC COMMENDS NES ON INAUGURATION OF BORNO STATE CHAPTER AND INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

The Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri, Professor Muhammed Laminu Mele, has congratulated the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) on the historic inauguration of its Borno State Chapter and the induction of new members. He described the event as a milestone that reflects the commitment of economists in the state toward advancing sustainable economic development in Borno and Nigeria at large.

Professor Mele ably represented by the Dean Students Affairs Professor Mohammed Bruno, made this known on Thursday, 30th October 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of the NES Borno State Chapter and induction of new members, held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Borno State Internal Revenue Service (BO-IRS).

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor noted that the establishment of the chapter is not merely an administrative event but a powerful statement of resilience and forward-looking vision. He then commended the people of Borno for their fortitude, stating that the state is now shifting from a narrative of challenges to one of opportunities, from reconstruction to sustainable growth.

He added that the NES Borno Chapter will serve as a vital think tank that brings together the sharpest economic minds from Academia, Government, and the Private Sector to develop home grown solutions to the state’s unique socio-economic challenges.

While addressing the newly inaugurated executives and members, Professor Mele charged them that their research and policy recommendations must reflect the realities of Borno and the Northeast that focus on practical strategies for Economic Diversification, Youth Empowerment, Agricultural Revitalization, and Entrepreneurship in a post-conflict Economy. He therefore urged members to bridge the gap between theory and practice by working closely with the state government, development partners, and the private sector to ensure their research translates into tangible policies and programs that improve people’s lives and to uphold professionalism and ethical standards.

Professor Mele reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting the NES in its mission and expressed confidence that the new chapter would become a beacon of innovation and progress for the state.

In his address, the 45th President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Dr. Baba Musa Yusuf, charged the interim leadership to uphold the ethics, professionalism, and research standards of the society in promoting economic development at the state and national levels. He congratulated the newly inducted members and welcomed them into the professional body.

The Borno State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Umar Lawan Dalorima, who served as the chief host, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. He commended the inauguration and assured the society of the State Government’s full support in achieving its objectives.

During the ceremony, the Nigerian Economic Society presented an Award of Excellence and Outstanding Contribution to Professor Muhammed Laminu Mele, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri. Other award recipients included Hon. Umar Lawan Dalorima, Dr. Baba Musa Yusuf, Professor Dahiru Salami, Professor Mohammed Musa, and Dr. Mohammed Alhaji Bello.