Gov Zulum unveils 60 Islamic college classroom to combat violent extremism

*Commissions 6 projects in 2 LGAs

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno state, on Friday unveiled six projects in two local government areas of the state, a statement by SSA New Media to the Governor, Abdurrahmam Bundi, has revealed.

The ceremony occurred on the second day of his projects’ commissioning tour in the Southern part of Borno State, where the Governor also commissioned two projects in Biu on Thursday and later spent the night in Kwaya-Kusar.

The projects unveiled included a 60-classroom Islamic college through which the state government aimed to combat violent extremism and avert young people from being radicalised by terrorist sects.

The governor of Gombe State, Mohammed Inuwa, performed the symbolic cutting of the tape, the statement added.

While addressing the gathering at the High Islamic College, Zulum noted that his administration had implemented policies that would allow almajiri pupils to undergo a formal educational process.

“Tsangaya education system, a system that has long been the bedrock of Islamic learning in our region and predates modern forms of education,” Zulum said.

He added: “Our approach to this reform has been both strategic and inclusive, ensuring that we preserve the essence of the Tsangaya system while integrating it with modern educational practices to equip our children with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world.”

According to him, his administration’s vision is in line with global educational trends, recognising the importance of religious knowledge, critical thinking, technical expertise and digital literacy.

The governor stated: “We are determined to ensure that no child in Borno State is left behind, regardless of their educational background.

“As part of our broader vision, this administration has pledged to establish one higher Islamic college in each of the Twenty-Seven (27) local government areas of the state.”

Zulum, after the commissioning, distributed bicycles to students coming from villages for easy transportation.

Other projects commissioned include 10 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow houses for teachers, aimed at improving their living conditions.

During the estate’s commissioning, Zulum directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to make the rehabilitation of existing staff quarters and the construction of new ones a priority in the 2025 budget.

The governor also commissioned an ICT centre in Biryel and two government lodges, one each in Kwaya-Kusar and Bayo Local Government Areas.

The sixth project commissioned by Governor Zulum was the comprehensive primary healthcare in Fikayel, Bayo Local Government Area. End