In a significant move to reward academic excellence, the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has granted automatic employment to a brilliant young scholar. The beneficiary is Miss Surayya Kabir, who recently graduated with a First-Class degree in Physics from Yobe State University (YSU) in Damaturu.
A Reward for Record-Breaking Academic Achievement
The governor's offer was confirmed in an official statement released on Friday, January 9, 2026, by his Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed. According to the statement, Miss Kabir has been appointed as a Graduate Assistant within the Physics Department of her alma mater, YSU.
This appointment follows her extraordinary academic performance. Surayya Kabir finished as the overall best student of her set, achieving a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.84. Her feat is particularly notable as it represents the highest academic achievement recorded in the Physics Department since its establishment in 2006.
Governor Hails Graduate as a Role Model
Miss Kabir personally presented her appointment letter to Governor Buni to seek his blessings. During the meeting, the governor congratulated her on her impressive accomplishment, describing her as "an excellent ambassador of the girl child education programme in the state."
"You are a role model for other girls in the state. Others should emulate this excellent feat," Governor Buni was quoted as saying. He reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to the educational development of Yobe State, emphasizing that no child would be denied an education due to their economic background.
Miss Kabir expressed her profound gratitude to the governor for the honour bestowed upon her and her family.
Governor Also Addresses Tragic Boat Mishap
In a separate but somber development, the statement also conveyed Governor Mai Mala Buni's condolences to the families affected by a recent boat disaster. The tragic incident involved a capsized boat in the Daturdaya area, along the Yobe/Kumadugu River.
The governor, through his media director, described the event as a "colossal loss," confirming that 29 farmers and traders lost their lives, with 11 others still missing as of Tuesday. Reports indicated that only 13 passengers had been rescued two days after the mishap on the river that flows into Lake Chad.
In response, Governor Buni has directed the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and volunteers to provide free treatment to all rescued passengers. He also announced the release of N500,000 to ensure the deceased receive a befitting burial according to Islamic rites. The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and expressed hope for more survivors to be found.
