…Prof Usman Tar pledges Government’s readiness for collaboration
The leadership of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Language Centre has paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, at the Ministerial Headquarters, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
The delegation was led by the Director of the Language Centre, Prof. Jidda Hassan Jumma’a, and included Prof. Amal Abdulkadir, Deputy Director; Prof. Baba Mai Bello, Head of Programmes; Dr. Ajid Lawan Saleh, Coordinator, Information and Communication; as well as other staff members of the Centre.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Jidda informed the Commissioner that the delegation was in the Ministry to formally appreciate him for accepting to serve as Keynote Speaker and Special Guest at two recently organised workshops by the Centre.
A statement signed by Dr Abba Alkali Goni special Assistant to the state Commissioner of information and internal security said the workshops included: “Forensic Linguistics in Intelligence, Legal and Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North-East,” held from 3–4 December 2025, for security and judicial experts; and another workshop on Translation and Interpretation for Journalists held on 8–9 December 2025.
He further explained that the University of Maiduguri Language Centre, which offers Language Proficiency Programmes and Translation Courses, is seeking collaboration with the Borno State Government to broaden its outreach, strengthen capacity, and enhance operational efficiency.
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Prof. Usman Tar, described the role of the Language Centre as indispensable, particularly in the training of journalists, translators, and interpreters in local languages across the state.
Prof. Tar noted that in recent times, terrorist groups, kidnappers, bandits, cybercriminals, and other criminal elements have increasingly adopted sophisticated linguistic strategies to coordinate their activities.
These include the use of encrypted messages, codes, symbolic expressions, and disguised language, thereby underscoring the critical need for language mastery to counter criminal propaganda and intelligence operations.
The Commissioner further assured the delegation of the commitment of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to the continuous support of the University of Maiduguri.
He commended the Governor for approving PhD scholarships for 200 academic staff of the University in the 2026 budget, and pledged the Borno State Government’s readiness to partner with the Language Centre.
Prof. Tar concluded by requesting the Centre to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate effective collaboration.
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa; the Director of Administration and Supply, Babagana Mustapha; the Director of Finance and Accounts, Buba Jarmai, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Aliwa Ali and other senior officials of the Ministry.
