By Gbenga Akingbule
Federal Government on Wednesday commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum’s efforts in transforming school infrastructure in the State, urging other states to emulate the model.
Gatekeepers News reports that Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa says schools infrastructure in Borno state can compete favourably with modern infrastructures around the world.
The Minister of Education made the disclosure after commissioning two Mega Schools constructed by the Zulum-led administration, bringing the number of mega schools built since Zulum became Governor in 2019 to over one hundred.
The newly constructed schools are Kulogumna Mega Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, Kaleri. Both were equipped with laboratories, libraries and sporting facilities designed to provide quality learning environments for thousands of students.
The Minister noted that Zulum’s approach serves as a benchmark for other states to follow pointing that ” we must the commend the extraordinary leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum whose unwavering commitment to education is evident in the impressive reconstruction efforts and in prioritisation of modern schooling facilities across the state.”
According to the Minister “We have seen what leadership per excellence does, how leadership can give impact and quickly change the course of humanity and what we’ve seen all over Borno State . Thank you Prof Zulum for all your services to the people of Borno State
“I’m the Minister of Education and the chief education officer for the country. I’m like the Principal General for the country. I was humbled yesterday. The quality of primary schools in Borno State, junior and senior secondary schools in Borno State blew me away.
“I’ll tell you I’ve been to so many places, a lot of universities and polytechnics that we have visited, built and approved for other states; they don’t have the quality infrastructure of a primary school in Borno,” the Minister said.
The Education Minister stated that Governor Zulum’s administration has prioritized education, investing heavily in infrastructure development and initiatives to improve learning outcomes.
He maintained the governor’s efforts have led to increased access to education and improved academic performance in the state.
The minister also commissioned the newly constructed Federal Government School in Ngarannam area of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. The project was funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and executed by the Federal Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Governor Zulum who took the Minister round project locatios reiterate his administration’s focus on education as the bedrock for development and prosperity.
He stated “We have to ensure that accommodations are being provided to the teachers. And very soon, in sha Allah, the government of Borno State will roll out plans to motivate teachers.
“Most importantly, there must be a deliberate attempt to encourage technical and vocational education. Therefore, very soon, Borno State Government will come up with plans to increase salaries of teachers in Borno State,” Prof. Zulum said.
The Federal Government’s endorsement of Zulum’s model is expected to inspire other states to prioritize education and invest in school infrastructure, ultimately enhancing the quality of education across Nigeria.
