Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned a remodeled Second Chance School for vulnerable girls and women in Biu Local Government Area as part of efforts to promote inclusion and self-reliance.
The facility targets adult women who missed formal education or dropped out due to conflict, poverty, or social challenges.
The school offers skills acquisition, digital literacy, basic literacy, and numeracy to support economic independence.
With the inauguration of the Biu center, the state government now operates three Second Chance Schools in Maiduguri, Bama, and Biu.
Zulum on Thursday said the initiative is designed to restore dignity and create opportunities for women affected by years of insurgency.
“This school is meant to give women a second opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” Zulum said.
In a related intervention, the governor disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises across five local government areas in southern Borno.
The beneficiary areas are Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, and Kwaya-Kusar.
Zulum said the financial support would strengthen local businesses and drive grassroots economic recovery.
“Direct support to small businesses is critical to rebuilding our economy and encouraging self-reliance after conflict,” he said.
To address youth restiveness, the governor also ordered the immediate employment of 200 youths from Biu Local Government Area.
Zulum said the measure would promote social stability and reduce unemployment among young people.
During the visit, the governor inspected Biu Specialist Hospital and approved the immediate employment of volunteer health workers who have served at the facility.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of a 100-unit teachers’ housing estate in Biu town.
The housing project is part of the government’s strategy to attract and retain qualified teachers in public schools.
Zulum further directed the immediate rehabilitation of the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu as part of efforts to revive public infrastructure.
