The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Mathew Verghis, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting education development in Borno State, describing Governor Babagana Zulum’s leadership as transformative.
Dr. Verghis made the remarks during the commissioning of mega schools in Maiduguri, where he emphasised the generational impact of educating every child.
“A Borno that educates its children is a Borno that will, for generations, generate its own doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and leaders, some of whom we have already seen today,” he stated.
He stressed that inclusive access to quality education would not only transform Borno but also contribute to building a stronger Nigeria.
“It will generate a Nigeria in which every state, every religion and every community has access to quality education a Nigeria capable of achieving the peaceful and inclusive prosperity that its people deserve and that its potential demands,” the World Bank Country Director said.
AGILE Programme
Dr. Verghis noted that under Governor Zulum’s leadership, Borno has emerged as a leading participant in the World Bank-supported AGILE programme, which focuses on strengthening school systems.
“The World Bank remains committed to this path with you. Under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Zulum, Borno has been a leader in the AGILE programme that supports schools.
“We have witnessed the progress made and we are proud to continue working with the Government of Borno State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the communities and families who are the true architects of this country’s future,” he explained.
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to take ownership of the new facilities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, welcomed Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the World Bank delegation to the commissioning ceremony.
He explained that the event marked the inauguration of the permanent site of Mai Musari Junior Secondary School alongside Mai Musari Primary School and Government Secondary School Maiduguri II collectively designed as mega schools to expand access to quality education.
The Facilities
The facilities consist of 30 classrooms designed to accommodate approximately 3,000 students. They are fully landscaped and equipped with modern educational infrastructure, including smart boards, digital tablets, ICT centres, laboratories, libraries and full solar power systems.
Government Secondary School Maiduguri II comprises seven blocks of 24 classrooms, ICT facilities and hostel accommodation for 1,000 students, providing a conducive and modern learning environment aligned with Governor Zulum’s vision of rebuilding Borno through quality education and human capital development.
Wakilbe noted that the project forms part of the 104 mega schools constructed by the Zulum administration since 2019.
AGILE Project Expands Access to Education. The Commissioner highlighted major achievements recorded under the World Bank-supported AGILE Project, including:Construction of 55 schools comprising 770 classrooms.Rehabilitation of 392 schools under small and large grants amoung others.
Wakilbe also acknowledged the impact of previous World Bank-supported initiatives such as the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) and the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, which improved enrollment, access to learning materials and teacher capacity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership, reiterating that education remains central to rebuilding Borno State and securing a prosperous future for its children.