Governor Zulum approves stipends and free meals for students in Gajiganna, Borno, to boost school enrolment and support families affected by insurgency.
The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has introduced a robust package of educational incentives in Gajiganna Town, Magumeri Local Government Area, as part of his administration’s drive to tackle low school enrolment and promote inclusive learning across northern Borno.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College, Gajiganna, the governor announced the approval of substantial financial stipends for parents and students, alongside the introduction of free daily meals for learners.
According to the governor, each father of the 90 secondary school students in the community will receive ₦250,000, while each mother will get ₦50,000.
Additionally, every student is to receive a personal stipend of ₦50,000 to help cover essential educational and personal needs.
Governor Zulum explained that the initiative was carefully tailored to ease the financial burden on families, reduce school dropouts, and motivate parents to support their children’s education.
He stressed that the move was not only a humanitarian gesture but also a strategic investment in the future of northern Borno, a region that has suffered years of devastation from insurgency and remains behind in educational development.
“Gajiganna has an estimated population of 50,000 people, yet there are only 90 students enrolled in secondary schools here. This is both alarming and unacceptable.
“We must take deliberate steps to reverse this trend. It is imperative that these 90 students not only remain in school but also complete their education, because their success will represent a symbolic turning point for this entire region,” Zulum said.
The governor further announced that free daily meals will be served to students of the Higher Islamic College and extended the directive to other schools across the state struggling with poor enrolment.
According to him, the feeding programme would not only encourage school attendance but also address the challenge of hunger, which often discourages children from continuing their education.
As part of broader reforms, Governor Zulum disclosed that the Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, would be strengthened to serve as a referral institution for pupils transitioning from primary education within the town.
This, he explained, would help create a seamless educational pipeline, ensuring continuity in learning.
On the structure of the Higher Islamic College, the governor said the institution would operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
The syllabus combines traditional Islamic scholarship with essential modern disciplines, including Mathematics, English, Science, and Technology.
“Our Sangaya learners are not being left behind. The reforms we have introduced are aimed at blending religious learning with practical subjects and vocational training.
“This ensures that while we protect the values of Islamic knowledge, we also prepare our children to thrive in today’s world,” Zulum added.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to use education as a tool for rebuilding communities, restoring hope, and empowering children who have lived through years of insecurity.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Lawan Wakilbe, commended the governor’s commitment, describing him as “a visionary leader whose unprecedented investment in education is changing the face of Borno.”
He revealed that in just six years, the government had successfully constructed 104 mega schools, while an additional 35 mega schools are currently under construction.
He also noted that several more have already been advertised and are awaiting commencement.
The inauguration of the Higher Islamic College was graced by top political figures and stakeholders, including Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Speaker of the Borno House of Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan, APC State Chairman Bello Ayuba, and senior government officials led by Alhaji Bukar Tijani.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly inaugurated college is one of 20 similar Higher Islamic Colleges already established across different local government areas of Borno State.
These institutions are designed to modernize the Almajiri (Sangaya) system by blending Quranic and Islamic education with literacy, vocational training, and modern academic subjects, thereby producing well-rounded graduates.
By integrating welfare incentives, infrastructural development, and curriculum reforms, Governor Zulum’s initiative seeks to rebuild the foundation of education in Gajiganna and, by extension, northern Borno, giving young learners the opportunity to compete nationally and globally.