We have returned 1.5m children back to school, says Borno Governor
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum says his administration has returned more than 1.5 million children back to school.
The figure represents 70% of the 2.2 million children hitherto out of school in the state.
Governor Zulum made this known on Tuesday during the inauguration of Government Secondary School Mairi by World Bank Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop.
He said over the past five years, the administration has undertaken significant investments in education, adding that the remainig 700,000 children be placed in schools soon.
“We have built 104 schools, rehabilitated 2,931 classrooms and distributed free educational materials, including 20 million exercise books, 2 million textbooks, 15 million sets of school uniforms, 700,000 school bags, and millions of other learning tools,” the governor said.
He added that the school feeding programme benefitted 50,000 pupils in the state, while the government has also provided 10,000 bicycles to students in rural areas to ease mobility challenges.
Governor Zulum said, in addressing the issue of out-of-school youths that have passed conventional school age, the administration has prioritized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“We have established five Vocational Enterprise Institutes, two Second-Chance Women/Girls Skills Entrepreneurship Schools and reactivated nine existing Vocational Training Centers.
“Our aim is to train approximately 5,000 artisans annually, empowering them with skills for self-reliance and addressing unemployment challenges.”
In his speech, the World Bank Country Director commended Borno state’s commitment to rebuilding its education sector, noting that the Bank has supported the construction of 41 secondary schools and the rehabilitation of 392 schools across the state.
“This school is a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope, and a testament to rebuilding better in the wake of adversity. We are impressed by the state’s efforts and remain committed to supporting Governor Zulum’s vision,” Dr. Diop stated.
