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World bank boss commends Zulum for massive investment in education
World bank boss commends Zulum for massive investment in education
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Mathew Verghis, has commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his massive investment in the education sector which to him is the very foundation for development.
He described Borno as a State of resilience, history and long term scholarship which is why he is not surprised that education has become a front burner investment which has come to stay.
The World Bank boss made the remark during the commissioning of the Maimusari primary and junior secondary school Mairi on Monday in the presence of the Governor and several dignitaries who witnessed the occasion.
Dr Verghis noted that the commissioning of 104 mega schools so far in the state is a continuation of the legacy and scholarship that has been associated with the renowned Kanem Borno Empire.
Verghis called on the students to ask questions to enable them make progress and “dream” very well to get to the very essence of seeking for an education which is the reason for being in school.
Earlier, the World Bank boss had commissioned some legacy projects executed by the administration of Governor Babaganda Zulum before arriving Mairi in jere council area.
The projects, comprising a flyover bridge, three state-of-the-art mega schools and three dual-carriageway road projects, represents Zulum’s giant strides in Borno’s post-insurgency urban renewal and human capital development agenda.
He stated during one of the events that, “We have seen today many of the programmes that Governor Zulum is leading and where the World Bank is supporting, and we are proud to do that and will continue to do so.
“We will continue to work 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.
“These schools are more than buildings; it is a testament, it says to every young person in this community, your future matters, it says to every girl who was told that school was not for her, we disagree, it says all this to every family that has endured hardship and anxiety and uncertainty.” said Verghis.
The newly commissioned educational facilities included the 30 classrooms Government Secondary School, Maimusari, Mairi; the 30 classrooms Mega Primary School, Maimusari and the Classrooms Command Secondary School, Maiduguri.
Other projects commissioned were the West End flyover bridge, the 1.53 km Sultan Mainalari Dual Carriage Road, the 2.3 km Bursari Dual Carriage Road and the 2.4 km Shehu Sanda Kura Dual Carriage Road.
Responding, Zulum highlighted some of the milestones achieved by his administration, including equitable access to quality education, infrastructure and urban renewal, economic growth and efforts on climate change.
He stressed that “Today’s commissioning of Maimusari Junior Secondary School, Mairi, alongside other mega school facilities, represents a major achievement in our education recovery and expansion efforts. These modern 30 classroom mega schools are designed to provide equitable access to quality education, particularly for orphans, vulnerable children, and those affected by conflict.
“The urgency of these investments is reflected in findings from the World Bank-supported Recovery and Peace Building Assessment, which revealed that over 5,000 classrooms were destroyed, leaving approximately 2.2 million children out of school at the peak of the crisis.
“In response, our administration has constructed 104 new schools and rehabilitated 2,931 classrooms and related facilities. These interventions have reduced the number of out-of-school children by over 70 per cent, bringing the figure to fewer than 800,000, while school enrolment has increased to over 1.4 million children as at December 2025.
“To sustain school enrolment and retention, particularly among children from vulnerable households, our administration has implemented comprehensive support measures since 2019. These include the provision of over 20 million exercise books, 2 million textbooks, 1.5 million sets of school uniforms, 700,000 school bags, and other essential learning materials.
“In addition, our school feeding programme supports approximately 50,000 pupils annually, while the distribution of 10,000 bicycles has improved access to education for students in rural communities. These interventions reflect our unwavering commitment to removing barriers to education and ensuring that no child is left behind.
“In response to the large number of out-of-school youth who have exceeded conventional school age, our administration has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway for skills acquisition and economic empowerment. We have established five Vocational Enterprise Institutes, three Second-Chance Women and Girls Skills Entrepreneurship Schools, and reactivated nine vocational training centres across the State.
“In addition, we have undertaken reforms to modernise the Tsangaya education system while preserving its rich heritage. As part of this initiative, we are establishing Higher Islamic Colleges in each of the 27 local government areas, with 20 already completed, alongside the introduction of basic literacy, numeracy, English Language proficiency, ICT, and technical and vocational skills to equip learners with competencies relevant to today’s world.
“Beyond education, our administration continues to invest significantly in critical infrastructure to support urban renewal and economic growth. Today, you commissioned 7.44 kilometres of dual carriageway, 14.86 kilometres of drainage infrastructure, and our third flyover bridge.
” In total, we have constructed four flyovers, with another currently underway, alongside approximately 412.603 kilometres of roads and 108.97 kilometres of drainage systems across the State.” said the Governor.
World bank boss commends Zulum for massive investment in education
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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