Commissions 6 Projects Across 2 LGAs
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday unveiled six development projects in two local government areas, including a 60-classroom Islamic college aimed at combating violent extremism. This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to prevent youth radicalization by terrorist sects, according to a statement by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahmam Bundi.
The unveiling ceremony took place on the second day of Governor Zulum’s project commissioning tour in Southern Borno. The tour began on Thursday in Biu, where he commissioned two projects before spending the night in Kwaya-Kusar.
The 60-classroom Islamic college was launched as part of Governor Zulum’s strategy to reform the traditional Tsangaya education system by integrating modern educational practices. The governor of Gombe State, Mohammed Inuwa, performed the symbolic tape-cutting ceremony.
Speaking at the commissioning of the High Islamic College, Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of providing a structured education that combines religious and modern learning to deter young people from being radicalized. He stated that his administration has enacted policies to formalize almajiri education, ensuring that pupils receive both religious and formal education.
“Tsangaya education, the bedrock of Islamic learning in this region, is being reformed to meet modern standards while maintaining its essence. Our goal is to prepare our children with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s world, including critical thinking, technical expertise, and digital literacy,” Zulum said.
He further explained that the state plans to establish one higher Islamic college in each of Borno’s 27 local government areas, with the aim of leaving no child behind, regardless of their educational background.
Following the unveiling, Governor Zulum distributed bicycles to students from neighboring villages to ease their transportation to school.
Additional projects commissioned during the governor’s tour included 10 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows for teachers, aimed at improving their living conditions. At the housing estate’s commissioning, Zulum directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to prioritize the rehabilitation of existing staff quarters and the construction of new ones in the 2025 budget.
Other projects inaugurated by the governor included an ICT center in Biryel, government lodges in Kwaya-Kusar and Bayo local government areas, and a comprehensive primary healthcare center in Fikayel, Bayo LGA.
These projects reflect the Borno State government’s commitment to improving education, infrastructure, and healthcare services, while also addressing the root causes of extremism through comprehensive reforms.
