As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen education in communities recovering from insurgency, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned three newly built Government Junior Day Secondary Schools in Tungushe (Konduga LGA), Yerimari, and Wadiya (Jere LGA).
The schools were delivered under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.
Located more than 20 kilometers from Maiduguri, these schools were constructed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to increase access to quality education in underserved rural areas.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, who represented the Governor, said the intervention aligns with Borno State’s 25-Year Development Plan, which was developed following a multi-sectoral needs assessment in 2019.
“These communities had little or no access to junior secondary education,” the Commissioner said. “For example, Tungushe only had a primary school. With these new facilities, we’re closing that gap and giving children in Tungushe, Yerimari, and Wadiya a chance to continue their education.”
Engr. Wakilbe acknowledged the role of traditional leaders, especially the Shahu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai Alamin El-Kanemi, whose efforts were key to securing the Yerimari school location.
He announced take-off grants for all three schools, the immediate posting of qualified teachers, and the launch of an enrollment campaign with a strong emphasis on girls’ education. At each site, students received uniforms, textbooks, and other learning materials.
The Commissioner assured community members that areas showing strong enrollment figures would be prioritized for additional classroom blocks and further interventions in future phases.
On broader infrastructure, Engr. Wakilbe noted that 57 schools are awaiting commissioning across the state, with six already inaugurated. “The remaining 51, including larger ones in Maiduguri, will be commissioned soon by His Excellency. Our immediate priority remains schools in remote communities that can’t be grouped for joint commissioning.”
AGILE State Project Coordinator, Engr. Ibrahim Baba, also spoke at the events. He said 35 junior secondary schools are under construction through AGILE, with 28 already completed and operational. He emphasized the project’s focus on building safe, inclusive spaces that support digital literacy, life skills, and continuous teacher training.
“AGILE is a community-driven initiative that works hand-in-hand with traditional, religious, and local leaders to ensure ownership, sustainability, and increased enrollment, particularly for adolescent girls,” Engr. Baba said.
At each school, Engr. Wakilbe officially handed over the facilities to the local communities and encouraged parents to enroll their children. He reaffirmed Governor Zulum’s commitment to rebuilding education in conflict-affected areas and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Attending the events were the Chairman of the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Bulama Kagu; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Yakaro; as well as special advisers, directors, and senior officials from the Ministry and SUBEB.
Education Secretaries from Konduga and Jere LGAs, along with traditional leaders, also pledged to ensure full enrollment and the immediate start of academic activities.
Each ceremony ended with a symbolic presentation of learning materials to students by the Commissioner and dignitaries, highlighting another milestone in the state’s drive to restore and expand access to education.
