Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has rolled out a new package aimed at boosting school enrollment in Magumeri Local Government Area, pledging free daily meals for pupils and financial assistance of N300,000 to parents of 90 students.
Magumeri, in northern Borno, has struggled for years with low participation in Western education, a situation further deepened by the destruction caused by over a decade of insurgency.
At the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna on Friday, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum noted that around 20 similar colleges had already been established across the state. He explained that the schools were designed to equip Almajiri pupils with both formal literacy and practical skills, blending Islamic learning with modern education.
“You can see a situation whereby in this town with a total population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school. We must support the parents of these 90 students from towns like Gajiganna. It is imperative to ensure that these 90 students complete their studies — it would represent significant progress,” the governor said.
He announced stipends of N250,000 for each of the fathers and N50,000 for each mother.
“We will approve stipends of N250,000 for their fathers and N50,000 for each of their mothers.
“For the students themselves, we are setting aside N50,000 each, which will provide them with financial support for their essential needs,” he said.
Zulum stressed the need for deliberate measures to strengthen education in northern Borno.
“This is the only region in Borno State that has not been developed in terms of education. So, both the secondary and primary education board chairmen are here. I want you to put more emphasis on northern Borno,” he added.
The governor also directed that one free square meal be provided daily to the college students, and approved comprehensive scholarships for nine girls who performed enrollment songs at the event.
“Our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world. In pursuit of this, the institutions we are establishing operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), which blends Islamic scholarship with Science, Mathematics, Technology, and foundational English.”
“At the same time, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to revitalising the Sangaya education system — an enduring pillar of Islamic learning that has shaped our society for generations. Our reforms have been deliberate and balanced: safeguarding the cherished values of traditional Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational training.”
The Higher Islamic College, he explained, combines Sangaya (Almajiri education) with the formal education system.
During the event, the governor also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral centre for hundreds of pupils completing their primary education in the town.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, praised the governor for delivering over 104 mega schools in six years.
“It is worth highlighting that under governor Zulum’s stewardship, 104 mega schools have already been completed and delivered across the state, with an additional 35 at various stages of construction, excluding those advertised and awaiting commencement.
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only infrastructure but vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to generations yet unborn,” Wakilbe said.
The ceremony drew prominent political figures, including Senate Chief Whip and Senator for Northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, alongside Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan. Members of the House of Representatives present were Usman Zannah, Abdulkadir Rahis, and Engr. Bukar Talba.
It also brought together top government officials such as the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, the APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, among others.
