Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced free daily meals and financial support for families of 90 secondary school students in Magumeri Local Government Area, as part of efforts to tackle low school enrollment in northern Borno.
Cash Support for Families
Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna, Zulum said the intervention was necessary after discovering that only 90 students were enrolled in secondary school out of a community of about 50,000 people.
“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,” he said.
The governor approved ₦250,000 each for the fathers and ₦50,000 for the mothers of the students. He also announced ₦50,000 stipends for each of the students to help meet their needs.
Integrating Almajiri and Formal Education
Zulum also directed that one free meal be served daily to all students of the newly commissioned Higher Islamic College. He said the institution, one of 20 similar schools across Borno, was designed to integrate Sangaya (Almajiri) education with the modern curriculum.
“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.”
Nine girls who performed enrollment songs during the event were also awarded full scholarships by the governor.
More Schools Delivered
Zulum further commissioned the Government Day Secondary School in Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral centre for pupils graduating from primary schools in the town.
Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, praised the governor’s investments in education.
“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.
Dignitaries Present
The inauguration was attended by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, and members of the House of Representatives Usman Zannah, Abdulkadir Rahis, and Engr. Bukar Talba.
Also present were the Speaker of the Borno 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, and other senior government officials.