Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has inaugurated the Higher Islamic College, Gajiganna, in the northern part of the state, as part of efforts to expand access to education and integrate traditional Islamic learning with formal education.
The 48-classroom college is designed to blend the traditional almajiri education system, known as sangaya, with formal education, including science, mathematics, technology and foundational English.
Speaking during the inauguration in Gajiganna, Zulum said about 20 similar institutions have been established across various local government areas to provide almajirai with basic literacy, modern education and vocational skills.
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He said the institutions operate a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), combining Islamic scholarship with contemporary subjects.
“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.
Zulum said his administration remains committed to revitalising the sangaya system, while introducing modern subjects and vocational training without undermining the values of traditional Islamic scholarship.
The governor also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School, Gajiganna, which is expected to serve as a referral centre for pupils completing primary education in the town.
Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, commended the governor for the construction of more than 104 mega schools across the state within six years.
Wakilbe said an additional 35 mega schools were at various stages of construction, describing the development as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving education infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Zulum has approved the provision of one meal daily for students in higher Islamic colleges and schools with low enrolment, particularly in northern Borno.
The governor said the initiative is aimed at increasing school enrolment in the region, which has suffered significant disruption from more than a decade of insurgency.
He expressed concern that despite Gajiganna’s population of about 50,000, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school in the town.
“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,” Zulum said.
He also approved financial support for the parents and students of the 90 enrolled students.
According to him, each father would receive N250,000, while each mother would receive N50,000. The students would also receive N50,000 each to support their essential needs.
Zulum directed the relevant education authorities to intensify efforts to improve enrolment and ensure that students in the affected communities remain in school and complete their studies.
