The Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has rolled out the 2025 School Enrolment Campaign with renewed commitment to cut down the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The campaign, flagged off on Monday, was organised in partnership with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), UNICEF, and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, directed education agencies and local government secretaries to ensure that the state’s estimated 800,000 out-of-school children are reduced by at least half before the end of the current academic year.
He said the goal was achievable, pointing to the significant investments in educational infrastructure under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration.
“This target is realistic and achievable,” Wakilbe said. “With the massive investments made by Governor Zulum’s administration, we are confident we can significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children.”
Wakilbe further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to play active roles in promoting enrolment, stressing that “education remains the foundation of the state’s future development.”
The Shehu of Borno, represented by the Waziri of Borno, Alhaji Shettima Matawalli, assured the government of traditional support to achieve its educational objectives.
“The traditional institution will continue to support the government’s efforts to ensure every child in Borno has access to education,” Matawalli said.
Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Bulama Kagu, and Chairman of the Borno State Senior Secondary Education Board, Prof. Yusuf Gana Balami, both described education as “a key driver of sustainable growth and social transformation.”
In goodwill remarks, Chairperson of Jere Local Government, Hon. Inna Galadima; Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Dr. Hyelni Mshelia; and UNICEF Representative, Dr. Yusuf Labo, lauded the ministry’s drive and pledged ongoing support to boost school enrolment.
A key highlight of the event was the commissioning of five new senior secondary schools to broaden access to quality education.
The newly opened schools include “Government Day Senior Secondary School, Dala Lawanti, Jere”; “Community Day Senior Secondary School, Ajilari Cross, Jere”; “Government Day Senior Secondary School, Mallam Umarti, Maiduguri”; “Government Day Senior Secondary School, Mala Kyariri, Mafa”; and “Government Day Senior Secondary School, Mafoni Liberty, Maiduguri.”
