Zulum with minister of Budget and that of Agriculture with other dignitaries at the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College in Damasak
The Governor Babagana Zulum administration of Borno State has constructed 104 Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled 1,087 classrooms alongside other major works in 40 schools.
The State Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, made this known in Damasak the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of the state during the commissioning of a newly completed Higher Islamic College.
Wakilbe said the administration also restored 30 schools affected by flood as well as other other educational projects by the State Universal Basic Education Board.
According to Wakilbe, the developments form part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across the state under Zulum administration.
“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than 800,000.
“Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as additional completed schools become operational, ” Wakilbe noted.
In his remarks, Zulum who spoke on the higher Islamic college, said the gesture of having such colleges represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across the state.
“This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.
“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired,” Zulum said.
While in Damasak, the Governor also distributed farm tools to irrigation farmers to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees affected by the insurgency.
Speaking at the presentation of the tools, Zulum said dry season farming is being supported by his administration as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework.
“Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.
“Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits built upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”
“The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration,” Zulum added.
Those that accompanied Zulum to Damasak on Sunday include the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and his counterpart of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.
Others were key state officials, including the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami, and the APC Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.
