Governor Zulum Expands Education Access with Two New Secondary Schools in Biu

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has announced plans to construct two additional community secondary schools in Biu Local Government Area as part of the state's ongoing efforts to expand access to free and quality education for children.

The governor also designated the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Biu, as one of the state's eight Centres of Excellence, an initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence and fostering unity among students from different parts of Borno State.

Zulum made the announcement on Sunday while speaking with journalists during his week-long inspection tour of five Local Government Areas in southern Borno.

As part of the visit, the governor inspected several educational and healthcare facilities, including Government Senior Science Secondary School, Government Secondary School Waka, Government Girls Secondary School, the Nigerian Army University, the new General Hospital, the 100 Housing Estate, and the proposed sites for the new Community Boys Day Secondary School and Community Girls Day Secondary School.

He disclosed that construction of the two new schools would commence immediately and be completed before the end of his administration.

According to Zulum, the growing population in Biu has increased the demand for secondary education, making the establishment of additional schools necessary.

"Biu is increasing in terms of population on a daily basis. There is the need for the government of Borno State to increase access so that more children will be admitted into junior and senior secondary schools," the governor said.

He explained that the Centres of Excellence initiative would revive the state's student exchange programme, allowing students from northern, central and southern Borno to study together while receiving transportation support.

The programme, he noted, is designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence and unity among young people across the state.

Addressing Muslim and Christian female students at GGSS Biu, Zulum encouraged them to uphold the moral teachings of their respective religions, stressing that strong values are essential for building a peaceful society.

To support students' welfare, the governor donated 200 bags of rice, beans and cooking oil for feeding and promised to construct an additional borehole for the school kitchen while repairing the existing faulty one.

During his visit to the Nigerian Army University, Zulum inspected two blocks of 12 three-bedroom staff quarters built by the Borno State Government. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting the university's plan to establish a College of Medical Sciences, which will create more opportunities for Borno indigenes to study medicine and other health-related programmes.

The governor also inspected the ongoing construction of a 150-bed General Hospital in Biu, revealing that the facility would be upgraded to a Specialist Hospital upon completion.

He explained that the upgraded hospital would not only support the Nigerian Army University's proposed medical college but also provide advanced healthcare services to residents across the remaining eight local government areas in southern Borno.

In addition, Zulum announced automatic employment for 17 volunteer nurses currently serving at the General Hospital and pledged to recruit more healthcare workers to strengthen medical service delivery in the area.

The latest education projects further demonstrate the Borno State Government's commitment to expanding educational opportunities, improving learning infrastructure, and investing in the future of young people across the state.