Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has launched a hybrid Islamic college in Gajiganna and approved meals and stipends to boost school enrolment in the insurgency-ravaged northern part of the state.
The newly commissioned institution is part of the government’s initiative to integrate the traditional Almajiri (Sangaya) education system with formal academic and vocational learning. The model aims to provide learners with both Islamic knowledge and essential life skills.
Speaking during the inauguration on Friday, Governor Zulum said the college is one of about 20 similar institutions established across various local government areas in the state.
“Our goal is clear: to provide our children, especially Sangaya learners, with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s world,” the governor said.
“In pursuit of this, the institutions we are establishing operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, which harmoniously blends Islamic scholarship with science, mathematics, technology and foundational English.
“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,” he added.
The governor also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School in Gajiganna, which is expected to serve as a referral centre for pupils completing their primary education in the area.
To further address the challenge of low school enrolment, particularly in areas affected by insurgency, Zulum announced a series of incentives aimed at encouraging education across northern Borno.
He directed that students in higher Islamic colleges and other schools with low enrolment be provided with one square meal per day.
“We must establish deliberate measures to promote education in northern Borno. This is the only region in Borno State that has not been developed in terms of education,” he said.
“So, both the secondary and primary education board chairmen are here. I want you to put more emphasis on northern Borno. You can see a situation where in this town with a total population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school,” he added.
The governor also approved financial support for students and their parents as part of efforts to reduce dropout rates.
“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.
“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,” Zulum said.
