By Hamman Abdulkareem
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum continues aggressive post-insurgency reconstruction by building and rehabilitating modern mega schools equipped with classrooms, labs, ICT centers, and libraries statewide. Teachers and students highlight improved learning environments and access, marking significant progress in reducing out-of-school children.
Borno State, long devastated by Boko Haram insurgency that destroyed thousands of schools and displaced communities, is witnessing a robust education sector recovery under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. A recent Channels Television report spotlights the administration’s efforts to expand school infrastructure across all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with newly established and rehabilitated mega primary and secondary schools now operational.
These facilities feature modern classrooms, well-equipped libraries, ICT centers, science laboratories, and other amenities designed to enhance teaching and learning quality. The initiatives form part of broader recovery and reconstruction efforts following years of conflict-related destruction.
“Stakeholder Commendations”
Teachers and students have warmly received the interventions. One educator noted the transformation from limited classrooms (previously 12–16) to over 60 in a single mega school, dramatically increasing capacity. Another highlighted the construction of around 109 schools by the state government to improve access for less privileged children.
At one commissioned facility, enrollment figures reflect the impact: over 1,600 Junior Secondary School (JSS) students supported by 36 teachers, alongside more than 1,300 primary pupils. Students praised enhancements like better ventilation, computer rooms, ICT facilities, chemistry labs, and sufficient qualified teachers, describing the changes as creating “a new world full of hope, resilience, and learning.”
“Broader Context and Impact”
Zulum’s second-term focus on education includes constructing and equipping numerous mega schools, laboratories (e.g., 88 across schools), classroom furniture, and teacher recruitment. These align with federal commendations, such as from Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who has described Zulum as a pacesetter for transformative investments.
Statewide efforts have reportedly brought millions of children back to school. Earlier reports indicate a reduction in out-of-school children (from around 2 million pre-Zulum interventions to significantly lower figures), supported by new builds, rehabilitations (thousands of classrooms), and modernization of Tsangaya (Quranic) education through Higher Islamic Colleges in all 27 LGAs.
The governor’s approach emphasizes not just physical infrastructure but also teacher welfare (e.g., minimum wage implementation), monitoring, and equitable access, especially for vulnerable and displaced populations. Stakeholders believe sustained investment will further boost enrollment, improve learning outcomes, and contribute to long-term peace and development in the region.
This video report underscores Zulum’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of Borno’s rebuilding, turning former conflict zones into hubs of opportunity through tangible, community-praised infrastructure.
www.hammanmedia.com.ng
