Gov. Zulum inaugurates two schools, flags off High Islamic College to absorb out-of-school children

BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, JANUARY 06, 2026 | 04:41 PM

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday inaugurated two newly constructed government secondary schools and flagged off the construction of a High Islamic College in Fikiyel, Bayo Local Government Area.

The initiative is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children by integrating the non-formal sangaya education system into the formal school structure.

Gov. Zulum said the High Islamic College is designed to enroll out-of-school children, particularly Almajirai, and equip them with both religious and modern education.

‘It is our sincere hope that the people of Fikayel will benefit from this school because we are targeting the enrollment of out-of-school children,’ Gov. Zulum said.

He said the initiative would allow learners to acquire Arabic education while transitioning the sangaya system into a formal framework.

‘We shall streamline the non-formal educational system by introducing intensive literacy, intensive numeracy, digital literacy, and above all vocational training,’ he said.

The governor explained that the High Islamic College will operate a hybrid curriculum approved by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies.

He said the curriculum combines Islamic education with science, technology, and humanities to prepare students for further education and self-reliance.

The governor also inaugurated the Government Secondary Schools in Fikiyel and Balbaya, both located in Bayo Local Government Area.

Each of the schools comprises 20 modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, and sporting facilities.

Briefing the governor, commissioner of education Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe said High Islamic Colleges have already been constructed in 20 local government areas of the state.

In a related development, Gov. Zulum directed the state ministry of education to complete the digitalization of all public secondary schools across Borno State.

The directive includes the integration of digital tools, e-learning platforms, and smart classroom technologies to improve teaching and learning outcomes.