Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Friday inaugurated several key projects, including a 60-classroom Islamic school in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area (LGA) and 10 housing units for teachers in Bayo, the headquarters of Bayo LGA, according to verified Zulum’s Facebook account.
Other projects unveiled by the governor include an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center in Biryel, a Primary Healthcare Centre in Fikayel, and Government Lodges in both Bayo and Kwaya Kusar.
Speaking at the inauguration, Zulum explained that the Islamic school was established as part of his administration’s efforts to integrate non-formal Qur’anic schools into the formal education system. The initiative aims to promote the true teachings of Islamic Religious Knowledge and combat violent extremism by offering formal education to Almajiri (pupils of non-formal Qur’anic schools).
Zulum highlighted his government’s commitment to reforming the Tsangaya school system through the establishment of Islamic colleges across the state’s 27 LGAs.
“Our approach to this reform has been both strategic and inclusive, ensuring that we preserve the essence of the Tsangaya system while equipping our children with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world,” Zulum said.
As part of his support for education, the governor also distributed bicycles to indigent students who commute from villages to towns, easing their transportation to schools.
In addressing housing needs, Zulum directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to prioritize the rehabilitation of staff quarters and the construction of new ones in the 2025 budget.
The event was attended by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
