By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE – The Federal Government has described the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as a national “pacesetter” in the education sector, citing the superior quality of infrastructure built by his administration.

The commendation was given by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday in Maiduguri, during the official commissioning of two newly constructed mega schools: Kulogumna Mega Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, Kaleri.

Despite the challenges the state has faced over the last decade due to the insurgency, the Borno State Government has prioritized a massive reconstruction of the education sector. The new facilities boast 48 and 60 classrooms respectively and are equipped with modern laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes.

Speaking at the event, Minister Alausa expressed shock at the high standard of the facilities.

“I was humbled yesterday. The quality of primary schools in Borno State, junior and senior secondary schools in Borno State blew me away,” Alausa stated. “I have been to so many places… 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 also commissioned a Federal Government School in the Ngarannam area, a project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and executed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

In his response, Governor Zulum thanked the Federal Government for the recognition but noted that beautiful buildings are only half the battle. He pledged that his administration is now shifting focus to the welfare of the teachers who work within these walls.

“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,” Governor Zulum said.

He further confirmed that Borno has fully implemented the minimum wage for primary and secondary school teachers and will soon introduce plans to increase salaries further to encourage technical and vocational education.