Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has unveiled a new intervention to address alarmingly low school enrolment in northern Borno. Announced on Friday in Gajiganna town, the initiative includes free daily meals and financial incentives totaling ₦300,000 for each student and their parents.
The governor, speaking at the inauguration of the new Higher Islamic College—which integrates the traditional Almajiri (Sangaya) system with formal education—highlighted the urgency of the situation. “In this town with a total population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school. It is imperative to ensure that these students complete their studies,” he said.
To encourage full participation, Zulum detailed the incentive package: “We are approving stipends of ₦250,000 for their fathers, ₦50,000 for each of their mothers, and ₦50,000 each for the students themselves, alongside one free square meal daily.”
The governor explained that the Higher Islamic College will deliver a curriculum, approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), that blends Islamic scholarship with science, mathematics, technology, and foundational English. “Our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world. Our reforms safeguard the cherished values of traditional Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational training,” Zulum stated.
During the event, the Government Day Secondary School in Gajiganna was commissioned, intended to serve as a referral center for hundreds of pupils completing primary education in the area.
Also in attendance, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, applauded the governor’s efforts: “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects not only infrastructure but vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to generations yet unborn.” He noted that 104 mega schools have been completed across the state in the past six years, with 35 more under construction.
Prominent state and national figures—including Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, Senator Kaka Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, Speaker of the State Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan, APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, and Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Tijani—were also present at the ceremony.
