Zulum offers ₦300,000 incentives, free meals to boost School enrollment in Borno

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has introduced a new initiative to tackle low school enrollment in northern Borno by providing free daily meals and ₦300,000 in incentives for pupils and their parents.

Zulum announced the measures on Friday in Gajiganna town while inaugurating the Higher Islamic College, which will integrate the traditional Almajiri education system (Sangaya) with formal learning.

“In this town with a population of about 50,000, only 90 students were enrolled in a secondary school. It is imperative to ensure that these students complete their studies. To achieve this, we are approving stipends of ₦250,000 for their fathers, ₦50,000 for each of their mothers, and ₦50,000 each for the students themselves, alongside one free square meal daily,” Zulum said.

The governor explained that the new college would operate under a curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), blending Islamic scholarship with science, mathematics, technology, and basic English. He added that the reform seeks to preserve Islamic values while equipping children with modern knowledge and vocational skills.

Zulum also commissioned the Government Day Secondary School in Gajiganna, which will serve as a referral centre for pupils completing their primary education.

Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, praised Zulum’s leadership, noting that his administration has built 104 mega schools in six years, with 35 more under construction.

The event was attended by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, Senator Kaka Lawan, Speaker of the State Assembly Abdulkarim Lawan, APC Chairman Bello Ayuba, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Tijani, and other top officials.