The Nigerian Government has praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his massive investment in education infrastructure, describing him as a “pacesetter” whose commitment is setting new national standards.
The commendation was delivered in Maiduguri by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, during the official commissioning of two newly constructed mega schools funded by the Zulum administration.
The two facilities—Kulogumna Mega Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, Kaleri—are fully equipped with laboratories, libraries, ICT resources and sports facilities designed to improve learning outcomes for thousands of students.
The schools have 48 and 60 classrooms respectively, built to modern standards to accommodate the rising demand for quality education in the state.
Performing the symbolic tape-cutting, the minister expressed astonishment at the level of educational development he witnessed in Borno.
According to him, the quality of infrastructure in the state’s primary and secondary schools surpasses what he has seen in some tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
“We have a governor in the person of Professor Zulum who understands what governance is all about and who understands how to move a state and the nation forward.
I was humbled yesterday. The quality of primary, junior and senior secondary schools in Borno State blew me away.
I’ve visited many universities and polytechnics across the country that do not have the kind of infrastructure I have seen in a primary school here,” Alausa said.
Dr Alausa also commissioned the newly built Federal Government School in Ngarannam, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and executed by the Federal Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The project adds to the expanding portfolio of collaborative educational development in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum reaffirmed that education remains the backbone of Borno’s long-term recovery and growth strategy.
Teachers Welfare
He said there are ongoing plans to enhance teachers’ welfare, provide adequate accommodation and promote technical and vocational education.
“We have to ensure accommodations are being provided for teachers, and very soon the Borno State Government will roll out plans to motivate them.
Most importantly, there must be a deliberate effort to encourage technical and vocational education. Therefore, government will soon announce plans to increase teachers’ salaries,” Zulum said.
He further noted that the state has fully implemented the minimum wage for teachers at both primary and secondary school levels.
Lateefah Ibrahim