Borno: Zulum Distributes Farm Tools, Commissions High Islamic School in Damasak

By Abubakar Mala Gajibo 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, 22nd February 2026, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a newly constructed High Islamic School in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.

The governor was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.

Governor Zulum said the agricultural intervention was designed to boost dry-season farming and improve the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.

“From the beginning of this administration, dry-season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming,” he said.

He added that the distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits built on earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities.

“These include irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer training, cooperative support and security stabilisation measures,” Zulum noted.

The governor further stated that the state government remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues to collaborate with relevant federal ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing and market integration.

At the commissioning of the new High Islamic School, Zulum described the project as a major milestone in the state’s education reform policy.

“The commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a significant step in our policy to expand and modernise Sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement,” he said.

He explained that all Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the **National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commended Governor Zulum’s achievements in the education sector.

“This institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency, the state has constructed 104 Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled 1,087 classrooms, executed major works in 40 additional schools, restored 30 flood-affected schools and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board,” he said.

He added that the investments had produced measurable results.

“The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from about 2.2 million to fewer than 800,000. Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at 1,418,279 learners, with further increases expected as more completed schools become operational,” Wakilbe stated.

Other members of the governor’s entourage included the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami; and the APC Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.