Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commenced the construction of two mega schools in Hawul Local Government Area as part of efforts to expand access to quality education and fulfil his administration’s education reform agenda.
The projects were launched on Wednesday during a working visit to the area.
One of the schools, a 48-classroom High Islamic College, is located in Shafa town. The institution will operate under the accredited curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), combining modern education with Islamic studies.
Governor Zulum explained that the establishment of High Islamic Colleges was a key campaign promise aimed at integrating formal education with authentic Islamic knowledge, while also equipping students with digital skills, numeracy, literacy, and vocational training.
“The objective is to provide a holistic education that blends Islamic learning with modern knowledge and skills required for today’s society,” the Governor said.
The second mega school project, sited in Marama town, is designed to further expand access to quality educational infrastructure across Hawul LGA and other parts of the state. According to the Governor, the Marama mega school will feature a two-storey building with 36 classrooms and other supporting facilities.
While laying the foundation of the project, Zulum announced plans to recruit additional teachers to address manpower shortages in the education sector.
“I am happy to lay the foundation of a mega school in Marama town. We are going to support you in all ramifications. In line with my campaign promises to transform the education sector, this government will construct a befitting two-storey building with 36 classrooms, in addition to other facilities,”
“Due to the shortage of teachers, we must recruit competent teachers who are indigenes of Marama to teach in this school,”
The foundation-laying ceremonies were conducted with the support of the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.
During the visit, Governor Zulum also inspected the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul LGA, which was rehabilitated and donated by the Borno State Government to facilitate its take-off.
In addition, the Governor commissioned projects executed by the Hawul Local Government Council, including a shopping complex and market stalls.
The Governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South); former Deputy Governors Usman Mamman Durkwa and Ali Abubakar Jatau; Hon. Bukar Talba of the House of Representatives; the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira; members of the State Assembly; commissioners; local government chairmen; and other stakeholders from Southern Borno.