Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Friday inaugurated a 60-classroom Islamic school at Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of the state.

He also unveiled 10 housing units for teachers at Bayo, headquarters of Bayo LGA.

Other projects inaugurated by the governor included an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, Biryel; Primary Healthcare Centre, Fikayel as well as Government Lodges at Bayo and Kwaya Kusar.

Inaugurating the projects, Mr Zulum said the school was established as part of his administration’s efforts to fast track integration of non-formal Qur’anic schools into the formal school system.

He said the project would stimulate the government’s drive to encourage true teachings of Islamic Religious Knowledge, to address violent extremism and radicalism by offering a formal education to Almajiri (pupils of the non-formal Qur’anic school).

Mr Zulum added that the government initiated viable programmes to reform the Tsangaya school system through establishment of Islamic colleges across the 27 LGAs of the state

He said, “Our approach to this reform has been both strategic and inclusive ensuring that we preserve the essence of the Tsangaya system while equipping our children with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world.’’

Mr Zulum also distributed bicycles to indigent students commuting from villages to towns, to ease their transportation to schools.

On housing, Mr Zulum directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, to prioritise the rehabilitation of staff quarters and the construction of new ones in the 2025 budget.

The event was attended by Gombe State Governor  Inuwa Yahaya.  

(NAN)