Borno State Governor Announces Approval Of N300, 000, Free Meals For Parents To Enrol Children In Schools

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has directed the provision of free meals and financial aid for students and parents in Magumeri Local Government Area (LGA).. Read Full Article.. .

The initiative aims to boost school enrollment in a region severely impacted by years of insurgency.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna, Zulum highlighted the urgent need to address low school attendance in northern Borno.

“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 stated.

To encourage families to keep their children in school, Zulum announced N300,000 in financial support for the parents of each of the 90 enrolled students.

He specified, “We will approve stipends of N250,000 for their fathers and N50,000 for each of their mothers.”

In addition, he said, “For the students themselves, we are setting aside N50,000 each, which will provide them with financial support for their essential needs.”

The governor also directed that all students at the newly inaugurated college receive one free meal daily.

He approved comprehensive scholarships for nine girls who performed during the event.

The Higher Islamic College is part of the state’s effort to blend traditional and modern education.

According to Zulum, the curriculum, approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), “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,” he explained.

“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 governor also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral center for primary school graduates.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, praised Zulum’s administration for its educational achievements.

“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,” Wakilbe noted.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other senior,and..  Read . .More —