News
Zulum Blazing The Trail in Borno Education Sector Despite 15 Years Of Insurgency.

Zulum Blazing The Trail in Borno Education Sector Despite 15 Years Of Insurgency.
By Gbenga Akingbule.
The speed and consistency with which the Borno State government is transforming the education sub – sector by providing free and compulsory education across the state is a clear indication that the state is fast becoming one of the educational advantage states in Nigeria, Stakeholders have said .
The construction of mega schools and provision of instructional materials as well the school feeding program in different parts of the state has in no small measure help to reduce the number of out of school children.
Worried the by the uneviable position as having the highest number of out of school children in Nigeria in 2021, the governor Babagana Zulum leg administration has taken the bull by it’s horn to reduce the number drastically through various intervention programs and projects that have over the years returned Borno children to their classrooms.
” Out of 1.8 million out of school children in 2021, we have taken measures to reduce the number to less that 800. We’re still working assiduously bring down the number ” Commissioner of Education, Science , Technology and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe said
No doubt, the more than a decade long insurgency had led many children and their parents to flee trouble areas, thereby obstructing their education where massive destruction to education facilities across the state was evident .
The Boko Haram terrorists whose translation of their name means western education is sin took ample delight in the destruction of schools and engage in continuous abduction of students. Analysts says the distruction of education facilities in the North East Region where Borno state is the worst hit is running into billions of US Dollars.
But the Zulum led administration has shown rare determination , the government is already picking up the pieces and does not want the future generation swim in the sea of illiteracy hence the priority attention to education sector.
To lift off the burden of school fees payments from off the shoulder of parents and guardians , the state government have continued to pay scholarship both for students studying within and outside Nigeria. Orphans of Counter Terrorism Volunteers were not left out as 300 of the them got the total sum sixty-million-naira (₦60,000,000) scholarship for 2024
The state government in its bid to provide the needed manpower for the health sector, recently embarked on the disbursement over N1 Billion as scholarship to student nurses.
” Today marks another significant milestone as we disburse One billion three hundred and five million one hundred and eighty-nine thousand naira (₦1,305,189,000) for scholarships benefiting 997 student nurses.” Wakilbe said
As part of measures to ensure the impactation of quality education to its students the state government has continued to pay prime attention to the welfare of teachers in the state. This gesture prompted the the Chairman, National Union of Teachers ( NUT) Comrade Zali Audu Garba to single out Governor Babagana Zulum as the best performing governor in the education sector.
” The education sector is currently witnessing an astronomical improvement in both with human and infrastructure. Teachers welfare have been given an unprecedented positive attention, the sum of N1 billion is currently being expended on teachers training accos Borno State .we have never had it this good . ” The NUT boss , Garba said
At a recent event in Bama local government area of the state where
Governor Zulum flagged off the second phase training for 781 teachers with the aim of making them more productive and acquiring the requisite knowledge for impactation to its students.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Hon Umar Usman Kadafur at the event says ” It is strategically pertinent to note that Government allocated a substantial sum of one billion naira (N1 Billion) for the training of 2,730 teachers. These educators will undergo rigorous training at both the College of Education Waka-Biu and Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education, Science and Technology Bama.
“The duration of the program is three months, covering one thousand eight hundred and eighty four (1,884)
teachers through a sandwich programme and eight hundred and forty six (846) teachers through a full-time NCE program.
“It may interest you to note that the aim of this initiative is to address issues of remuneration, retention and most importantly the competency of our teachers in line with national standards.
” The program is free of charge and each participants is entitle to N30,000.00 monthly stipend, in addition to their regular salaries. Those enrolled in full-time NCE program will attain automatic in- service status.
” On this note, let me use this medium to urge the participants to approach this opportunity with utmost dedication
and seriousness, knowing fully well that successful completion of the program and passing the competency test will lead to a review of wages.
“To ensure adequate preparation, the Ministry of Education has been directed to release an additional sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to all participants“. Kadafur stated.
President of National Union of Borno State Students also testify to the pragmatic leadership of Governor Zulum in transforming the education sector, saying that Borno in the nearest future can compete favourably with any state in the country.
” We have an amazing governor in Prof . Zulum, he has continued to accord education the desired attention . Our governor has expended almost two billion on scholarship alone this year, this is aside the massive ifrastuctural development in the the education sector and training and retraining of teachers .” Kyari said .
As scars of the past disstrucion by Boko haram terrorists on the education sector is gradually giving way to progressive steps at revolutionizing the sector , governor is eager to continue to blaze the trail
” We will continue to do more to give quality education to our citizens.” Governor Zulum said at a recent event.
*Gbenga Akingbule,
Wrote from Maiduguri
Zulum Blazing The Trail in Borno Education Sector Despite 15 Years Of Insurgency.
News
Army officer dies after being set ablaze by wife in Akwa Ibom

Army officer dies after being set ablaze by wife in Akwa Ibom
By: Zagazola Makama
A Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Samson Haruna, has died after sustaining severe burns when his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the tragic incident occurred on Sept. 22, 2025.
The source said the officer, who was also a medical doctor attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Officer (RMO), had a heated argument with his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, which resulted in her dousing him with petrol (PMS) and setting him on fire.
“The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further management,” the source said.
The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.
It was further gathered that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Army officer dies after being set ablaze by wife in Akwa Ibom
News
Pay us all our dues or prepare for indefinite strike…. ASUU to the federal government

Pay us all our dues or prepare for indefinite strike…. ASUU to the federal government
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has decried the federal government’s failure to remit third-party deductions, such as cooperative contributions and pension funds belonging to its members.
Chair of unimaid branch Dr Habu Mshelia in a recent interview described the action of the federal government as a serious breach of legal and ethical obligations to it’s members and called for it’s immediate reversal.
Dr Mshelia regretted that this systemic sabotage which started with the introduction of the integrated payroll and personnel information system (IPPIS) not only erodes trust but also jeopardizes the future retirement benefits of those who have faithfully contributed to these schemes.
“ASUU demands immediate rectification of this injustice and full restoration of financial integrity across all remittance channels.” He warned.
Mshelia maintained during the parley that ” These deductions, taken from members’ salaries, have not reached the appropriate bodies, crippling welfare schemes and jeopardizing future retirement benefits.
He added that: “This injustice must be urgently addressed to restore financial integrity and protect the economic well-being of our members.
“Since the adoption of IPPIS, these remittances have been withheld, crippling welfare schemes and threatening the financial security of our members. Worse still, the government’s actions appear to deliberately undermine the GIFMIS platform under the guise of salary vetting by IPPIS.
“This has led to consistent delays in salary payments, often by one to two weeks, causing unnecessary hardship and anxiety among academic staff.” Said the chairman.
Mshelia who briefed newsmen recently in Maiduguri said their lingering campaign against the wrong doings of the federal government was not a mere statement but a call to conscience. “A reaffirmation of their unwavering commitment to the defence of quality education, academic integrity, University autonomy and the dignity of university staff across the country.
“We speak today not only for ourselves, but for the future of Nigeria’s youth, for the sanctity of our institutions, and for the soul of a nation that must choose between progress and decay.
“Let it be known: ASUU will not remain silent while the foundations of our universities are eroded. We will not stand idle as agreements are dishonoured and our members are subjected to economic hardship and institutional disrespect.
The union leaders then called for the completion of certain unfinished businesses which they believe will bring harmony between them.
On the desperate need to renegotiate the 2009 agreement, Mshelia warned that
“The government’s refusal to sign the renegotiated agreement continues a troubling pattern of broken promises. Sixteen years after the original agreement, meant to address chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate remuneration, most of its provisions remain unfulfilled.”
Dr Mshelia regretted that certain reports like the 2012 Needs Assessment and pledges (MOU & MOA) made in 2017 and 2020 have all been ignored by the Federal government adding that “The Yayale Ahmed Committee Report now joins this list of abandoned commitments; Nemi Briggs Committee report; Professor Munzali Jubril committee report; the Babalakin led committee report.
He stressed that : “This persistent sabotage of Collective Bargaining condemns lecturers to poverty amid rising inflation and unbearable living costs. ASUU rejects this economic injustice and will resist any attempt to erode the integrity of Nigeria’s university system. Enough is enough.”
On payment of withheld salaries and arrears, the chairman regretted that “many of our members continue to suffer from unpaid salary arrears amounting to but not limited to 25–35% wage award. Promotion arrears, legally due to academics who earned them through merit, remain unpaid in many institutions including ours for over four years.
“Additionally, the punitive withholding of three and a half months’ salaries during the 2022 ASUU strike persists as an act of victimization. Immediate settlement of most of these arrears is essential to restore fairness, boost morale, and maintain industrial harmony within the academic community.
Speaking on terminal benefits of retired members, Mshelia lamented that members of the union were treated as trash instead of given the dignity of an emeritus professor.
“How on earth do you pay a professor 150k as pension after his selfless service to the nation? AProfessors who have dedicated over four decades to educating generations retire on a meagre ₦150,000 under the Contributory Pension Scheme, while inflation exceeds 21%. This is not just a labour issue; it is a national disgrace.
Assault on University Autonomy
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Maiduguri Chapter, unequivocally condemns the recent unilateral decision to rename the University of Maiduguri as Muhammadu Buhari University. This action is not only provocative, it is a blatant violation of the principle of university autonomy and a grave affront to the values of academic freedom, institutional integrity, and democratic governance.
“Universities are not political ornaments to be rebranded at the whim of power. They are intellectual sanctuaries, built on decades of scholarship, sacrifice, and service. The name University of Maiduguri is deeply rooted in the cultural, historical, and academic identity of the region. It reflects the aspirations of generations and the legacy of a community that has nurtured knowledge in the face of adversity.
“To erase that legacy without consultation is to insult the very soul of the institution. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policy statement, imposed without engagement with the university community, governing council, or stakeholders, sets a dangerous precedence. It signals a shift toward the politicization of our universities, where decisions are made not in the interest of education, but in pursuit of personal glorification. If allowed to stand, it will erode the credibility of our institutions and undermine the autonomy that is essential to their survival.
“ASUU stands as the unwavering voice of academic integrity and institutional independence. We do not respond with emotion, we respond with facts, with principle, and with resolve. The widespread rejection of this renaming, from alumni, students, staff, and civil society, is both justified and necessary.
“We call on all members of the Union, and indeed all Nigerians who value education, to continue their clear-eyed perspectives and decisive pronouncements. These have always guided our deliberations as we chart a path forward. Let it be known: We reject this ill-conceived and deeply offensive decision. We demand its immediate reversal. We reaffirm that the identity of a university must reflect its heritage, not serve as a monument to political power.
“The legacy of UNIMAID—painstakingly built over five decades—will not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. ASUU will not relent, will not surrender, and will not allow the autonomy of our universities to be trampled in silence.”
” We call on the Federal Government to honour its commitments. Parents, students, and the Nigerian public to see this as a fight for the future. NANS and student bodies to demand their right to quality education. Civil society, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders to intervene before another shutdown”. He concluded.
Pay us all our dues or prepare for indefinite strike…. ASUU to the federal government
News
Jos FM radio confirms release of reporters by DSS

Jos FM radio confirms release of reporters by DSS
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Two Jos Fm (Jfm) radio reporters abducted yesterday by overzealous state security operatives have been released from detention.
A statement signed by the Managing Director of the radio station, Clinton Garuba stated that after mounted pressure on the management of the secret service agency, the two reporters were allowed to go home.
In a statement released Sunday morning by the jos based radio station, Garuba noted that “further to our earlier statement regarding the arrest of our staff, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who were assigned to cover the burial rites of the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, at the COCIN headquarters Church, we wish to inform you that they have been released.”
It went further to state that ” upon confirming that the DSS was holding them, frantic efforts were made to secure their release. Although our efforts were initially rebuffed, they were eventually released.
“This event has once again prompted us to draw attention to the disturbing issues of press freedom violations, human rights abuses, and the erosion of the rule of law by security agencies.
“We want to reiterate that as professionals, our staff did what journalists are trained and ethically mandated to do: they documented an incident on video for public record and accountability.
“We call on the DSS to note that: Their actions in abducting and detaining them are illegal, undemocratic, and unacceptable.
“They represent a blatant violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and personal liberty as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and various international conventions to which our nation is a signatory.
” The press is not an enemy of the state.
Journalism is a public service profession. Our duty is to inform, educate, and hold power accountable, not to serve as mouthpieces of authority. To criminalise this duty is to criminalise truth itself.
“The DSS must act with civility and restraint. We remind the agency that this nation is under civilian rule, not military dictatorship. Security agencies exist to protect citizens, not to intimidate or abduct them.
“Power must always be exercised within the bounds of the law and in accordance with respect for democratic norms.”
The statement further warned that this pattern of intimidation and repression must stop because it sends a chilling message to journalists that telling the truth may lead to persecution.
Such conduct, the statement noted, undermines the very fabric of democracy and fosters a climate of fear and impunity.
“We reaffirm that Jay 101.9 FM will not be intimidated or silenced. Our commitment to truth, objectivity, and the democratic ideal remains unwavering.
“To those who wield power, we remind you that the freedom of the press is the lifeblood of democracy. When journalists are silenced, democracy dies in darkness.
“We call on all citizens, the media fraternity, and the international community to stand in solidarity with us in demanding respect for the rule of law, freedom of the press, and for journalists to carry out their statutory duties without fear or hindrance, as well as respect for human rights.” The statement noted
This reporter recalls that the President of the Church of Christ in Nations COCIN Dr Amos Mohzo was about entering the headquarters building to prepare for the officiating of the service of the late mother of the national chair of the APC when some recalcitrant operatives of the DSS stopped him, his Assistant Secretary General and his Vice President.
They were wrongly stopped from entering the church even after proper identification at a time when the expected visitor President Bola Tinubu had not even taken off from Abuja.
Several efforts by Rev Mohzo and his management team to get into the church was turned down and it was so embarrassing that the young operatives stuck to their guns by refusing the COCIN President from going into the building where he was the landlord and number one Pastor in charge.
Jos FM radio confirms release of reporters by DSS
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
News6 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria