Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced the provision of free meals for pupils and financial support totaling N27 million for the parents of 90 students in Magumeri Local Government Area (LGA).

Magumeri, located in northern Borno, has long struggled with low enrolment in Western education, a challenge worsened by the devastation of more than a decade of insurgency.

Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna, the governor explained that about 20 similar colleges had already been established across the state to provide both literacy and skills to Almajiri pupils.

“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,” Zulum said.

He announced stipends of N250,000 for each father and N50,000 for each mother of the 90 students, while also setting aside N50,000 for each student to cater to their essential needs.

“We will approve stipends of N250,000 for their fathers and N50,000 for each of their mothers. For the students themselves, we are setting aside N50,000 each, which will provide them with financial support for their essential needs,” he declared.

The governor further stressed the urgency of strengthening education in the region. “This is the only region in Borno State that has not been developed in terms of education. So, both the secondary and primary education board chairmen are here. I want you to put more emphasis on northern Borno,” he added.

Zulum also directed that one free square meal be provided daily to students of the new college and approved comprehensive scholarships for nine girls who performed enrollment songs at the event.

He outlined the government’s broader vision for education:

“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.”

The governor added, “At the same time, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to revitalizing 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 Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna, he explained, integrates Sangaya (Almajiri education) with the formal education system. Zulum also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral center for hundreds of pupils completing primary education in the town.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commended the governor’s record of 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, 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.

The event was attended by prominent political leaders, including Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; and House of Representatives members Usman Zannah, Abdulkadir Rahis, and Engr. Bukar Talba. Also present were 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.