Zulum Approves ₦300,000 Support Package, Free Meals, and Scholarships for Borno Students
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has approved financial support, free daily meals, and scholarships to encourage education enrollment in the northern part of the state.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College in Gajiganna, Magumeri Local Government Area, on Friday, September 5, Governor Zulum lamented the low enrollment rates in secondary schools in the region, worsened by years of insurgency.
Out of a population of about 50,000 people, only 90 students are currently enrolled in secondary school in the town.
To support the families of these students, the governor announced stipends of ₦250,000 for fathers and ₦50,000 for mothers of each of the 90 students. In addition, ₦50,000 will be given directly to each student to cover their essential needs.
“We will approve stipends of ₦250,000 for their fathers and ₦50,000 for each of their mothers,” Zulum stated.
The governor further directed that one free square meal per day be provided to the students to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that learners remain in school.
In a symbolic gesture, Zulum also awarded scholarships to nine girls who performed enrollment songs at the event, pledging continued support to expand literacy and skill development across northern Borno.
He noted that the region remains the least developed educationally and urged education board chairmen to pay special attention to boosting enrollment and retention rates.
Zulum stressed that the ultimate goal of these interventions is to equip Borno children with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s society.