In Maiduguri, a city once marked by conflict and displacement, a new chapter is unfolding.
For years, Borno State’s capital was defined by insurgency, destruction, and floods that forced thousands of children out of school.
But today, the same city is slowly becoming a symbol of recovery — and education is at the center of that transformation.
Across neighborhoods like Mafoni, Ajilari, and Maisandari, new classrooms are springing up.
Children in freshly sewn uniforms now walk to school each morning, their laughter replacing the silence that once filled damaged compounds.
Rebuilding through education
In recent years, the Borno State Government has intensified efforts to restore learning opportunities for children whose education was disrupted by crisis.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration has constructed more than 104 new schools and rehabilitated over 2,900 classrooms across the state, including many in Maiduguri.
One of the most notable projects is the newly commissioned 96-classroom mega school in Mafoni, designed to accommodate thousands of pupils and reduce overcrowding.
Two other mega schools — in Ajilari Cross and Maisandari — now provide free education to children from low-income families, offering uniforms, desks, and textbooks at no cost.
For many parents, these schools represent a return to normalcy and a renewed sense of hope.
A turning point in enrollment
Not long ago, Borno had one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria — estimated at over two million.
Today, that figure has dropped to about 700,000, showing a reduction of nearly 70 percent within five years.
State officials say about 1.5 million children have been enrolled in public schools through various initiatives under the education recovery plan.
The progress, though gradual, signals a major step forward for a region long devastated by insecurity.
Partnerships that drive progress
The education revival in Maiduguri has also been supported by development partners.
Through the World Bank–funded Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), 47 out of 52 planned schools have been completed across the state.
These facilities include libraries, science laboratories, and ICT centers aimed at improving teaching and learning quality.
AGILE also focuses on empowering adolescent girls with digital and life skills, giving them safe spaces to learn and build confidence in communities where many were once excluded.
The Borno State Government has distributed over 20 million exercise books, two million textbooks, 15 million school uniforms, and 700,000 school bags to public schools.
After last year’s floods over ₦1.6 billion was approved to rehabilitate 33 affected schools to ensure that displaced pupils could return to their classrooms without delay.
Officials say these investments are meant not only to rebuild structures but also to restore the spirit of learning.
Despite the progress, several challenges remain
Seasonal flooding continues to threaten school infrastructure, especially in low-lying communities.
Some schools still face a shortage of qualified teachers, while others struggle with limited teaching materials and overcrowded classrooms.
Poverty and cultural barriers also make it difficult for some families — especially in rural areas — to keep their children in school.
Officials acknowledge these hurdles but remain optimistic that ongoing reforms will help close the gaps.
Education as a Symbol of Recovery
For Maiduguri, education has become more than a social service — it is a sign of resilience.
Children who once studied under trees now sit in bright classrooms with desks and books.
Teachers who fled during the height of the crisis have returned with renewed dedication.
Parents who once feared the future now watch their children learn, grow, and dream again.
Governor Zulum has often said, “We are not only rebuilding schools, we are rebuilding lives.”
Experts believe sustaining these gains will require consistent funding, improved teacher training, and stronger community participation.
Flood-resilient infrastructure and continuous monitoring of learning outcomes are also seen as essential steps toward long-term stability.
In a city that has survived years of crisis, every new classroom built is more than just a building — it is a declaration of hope.
For Maiduguri, education is no longer just about lessons and books.
It is about resilience, renewal, and the power to rebuild a future that once seemed lost.
