Zulum Inaugurates Two Secondary Schools in Borno, Flags Off High Islamic College

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna – January 6, 2026

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated two newly constructed Government Secondary Schools (GSSs) in Fikiyel and Balbaya communities of Bayo Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deepening education reforms across the state.

The governor also flagged off the construction of a High Islamic College in Fikiyel, a key initiative aimed at integrating out-of-school children, particularly Almajirai, into a formal and modern education system.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Zulum explained that the High Islamic College would operate a hybrid curriculum in line with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), combining Islamic studies with science, technology, humanities, and vocational education.

He said the initiative was designed to systematically transition the traditional non-formal Tsangaya education system into a structured framework that equips learners with relevant academic and life skills.

“It is our sincere hope that the people of Fikiyel will benefit immensely from this institution. We are targeting the enrolment of out-of-school children so that they can acquire Arabic education alongside intensive literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and vocational skills,” the governor stated.

Briefing the governor, the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, disclosed that High Islamic Colleges had already been constructed in 20 local government areas of the state, underscoring the administration’s resolve to expand access to inclusive education.

In a related development, Governor Zulum directed the Ministry of Education to complete the digitalisation of all public secondary schools in Borno State.

The directive, he said, would involve the deployment of digital learning tools, e-learning platforms, and smart classroom technologies to improve teaching quality and learning outcomes across the state.

The two newly inaugurated secondary schools in Fikiyel and Balbaya each consist of 20 modern classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, and sporting facilities.

The governor was accompanied by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba; a member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; and several members of the State Executive Council, including the Commissioners for Works, Information and Internal Security, and Local Government and Emirates Affairs.

The projects are widely regarded as a significant boost to education delivery in Borno State, particularly in rural communities, while the digitalisation initiative is expected to further modernise the public school system.