In a bold move to combat low school enrollment in northern Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum has approved free daily meals and cash incentives worth ₦300,000 for pupils and their parents.
The governor made the announcement on Friday during a visit to Gajiganna town, where he also commissioned the newly established Higher Islamic College — an institution designed to integrate the traditional Almajiri (Sangaya) system with formal education.
Zulum expressed concern that in a community of 50,000 residents, only 90 students were enrolled in secondary school. To reverse the trend, he unveiled an incentive structure: ₦250,000 stipends for fathers, ₦50,000 for mothers, and ₦50,000 for each student, in addition to one free daily meal.
“We must establish deliberate measures to promote education in northern Borno. It is imperative to ensure that these students complete their studies,” the governor said.
He emphasized that the initiative is not only about enrollment but also about bridging the education gap in areas devastated by over a decade of insurgency.
The new Higher Islamic College will operate under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), blending Islamic scholarship with science, mathematics, technology, and foundational English.
“Our goal is to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world. These reforms protect traditional Islamic values while equipping students with modern education and vocational training,” Zulum explained.
As part of his engagements, the governor also inaugurated the Government Day Secondary School, which will serve as a feeder for hundreds of primary school graduates in Gajiganna.
Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, praised Zulum’s efforts, highlighting that his administration had delivered 104 mega schools in six years, with 35 more currently under construction.
The event drew key political figures, including Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, Senator Kaka Lawan, Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan, APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, and other senior officials.
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