Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved a comprehensive support package aimed at increasing school enrollment in Magumeri Local Government Area, a community in northern Borno that has long grappled with low participation in Western education due to insurgency-related disruptions.
During the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna on Friday, Zulum announced the provision of free daily meals for students and financial incentives totaling N300,000 for the parents of 90 enrolled pupils.
“In a town of about 50,000 people, only 90 students are enrolled in secondary school. This is unacceptable,” the governor said.
“We must support these parents to ensure their children remain in school. It would mark significant progress.”
Under the scheme, each father will receive N250,000, each mother will receive N50,000 while each student will receive N50,000 in direct support.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the Zulum administration to transform the educational system in northern Borno, a region still recovering from the devastation of over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency.
“This part of Borno remains the most educationally disadvantaged. That must change. I’m directing both the Secondary and Primary Education Board Chairmen to focus more attention here,” Zulum stated.
Zulum also highlighted efforts to blend traditional Islamic education with modern learning, saying the newly inaugurated Higher Islamic College is one of 20 similar institutions established statewide.
These schools follow a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), combining subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Technology, and foundational English with Islamic teachings.
“Our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world,” Zulum said.
“Our reforms are deliberate and balanced, safeguarding cherished values of Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational training.”
He also approved full scholarships for nine girls who performed enrollment songs during the event.
The governor commissioned the Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which is expected to serve as a hub for pupils graduating from local primary schools.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commended Governor Zulum’s transformative efforts in education. He revealed that:
“So far, the administration has delivered 104 mega schools in six years, with 35 more under construction. This speaks volumes about the governor’s commitment not just to infrastructure, but to shaping the future of generations yet unborn.”
The event was attended by senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan and other federal lawmakers, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, among other senior state officials.
