Zulum Establishes Zakkat Commission, Appoints Prof Bukar Chair
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has established a Zakkat and Waqf (Charity) Collection and Distribution Commission and appointed Prof Bukar Muhammad Usman as its pioneer executive chairman. The governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the commission became operational in 2025 following the passage of its enabling law by […]
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has established a Zakkat and Waqf (Charity) Collection and Distribution Commission and appointed Prof Bukar Muhammad Usman as its pioneer executive chairman.
The governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the commission became operational in 2025 following the passage of its enabling law by the Borno State House of Assembly.
He said the commission was established to oversee the collection, administration and equitable distribution of Zakkat and Waqf across the state.
“The appointment of the Executive Chairman is in accordance with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 4 (1) and (2) of the Commission’s Law, 2025.
“Prof Bukar Muhammad Usman, a Professor of Arabic Literature and distinguished Islamic scholar, brings to the role extensive expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and academic leadership,” the statement said.
Prof Bukar began his academic career at the Nigerian Arabic Language Village, Gamboru Ngala, where he served as a lecturer between 2006 and 2018.
After completing his PhD, he joined the Department of Arabic at Yobe State University, where he currently holds the rank of professor.
Before his appointment, he served as Head of the Department of Arabic at Yobe State University and was a member of the university’s Senate and Council.
He also served on the editorial board of Al-Nur Journal, a scholarly publication of the Department of Arabic.
In a related development, Governor Zulum also approved the appointment of Malam Muhammad Ibrahim Muhammad as a member of the Borno State Senior Secondary Education Board, representing Southern Borno.
The appointment followed the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Sarki in January 2026 and is in line with Section 4 (1)(a) of the Borno State Senior Secondary Education Board (Amendment) Law, 2024.
Until his appointment, Muhammad was a lecturer at the College of Education, Gashua, and holds a Master’s degree in Fundamentals of Religion.
Governor Zulum congratulated the appointees and urged them to deploy their experience, integrity and commitment towards strengthening their respective institutions.
The appointments are for an initial term of four years, subject to confirmation by the Borno State House of Assembly.