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Borno APC New Media, Old G R A Maiduguri, Maiduguri (2026)

07/09/2026

Zulum Promises Swift Reforms of Mohammed Goni College

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has promised to reform and upgrade facilities at the Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies and its Higher Islamic College in Maiduguri, to expand access to education for more residents of the state.

Zulum made the pledge on Monday while receiving the report of a 10-man visitation panel set up to review the college's activities, at the Government House, Maiduguri.

The Governor commended the visitation committee for its thoroughness, noting that the panel carried out its assignment "without fear or favour." He assured that the recommendations contained in the report would be implemented soon.

"I want to commend the chairman, members of the committee, provost, management team, and staff of the institution, and I want to assure you that the report of this committee shall be implemented very, very, very soon," Zulum said.

Governor Zulum disclosed that he had visited the college twice in recent months to assess conditions on the ground personally. He said he was moved by the resilience of students, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.

He noted that despite limited financial resources, lecturers were teaching to the best of their ability while students strove to keep up with academic activities.

Among the concerns raised by students during his visits, the Governor said, were inadequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and the college's exclusion from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) scheme, issues he pledged to address as part of a planned rehabilitation exercise expected to begin within days.

He also endorsed the panel's recommendation to constitute a Governing Council to steer the college away from decline, describing it as a good idea that would receive his support, alongside broader institutional backing for management.

The Governor said improved facilities at the Higher Islamic section could draw in more students, including out-of-school women within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council area who currently lack access to education due to poverty.

"The school has the capacity to recruit not fewer than 10,000 students, even the Higher Islamic section. I think we shall do this one," Zulum said, adding that renovation of the expansive Higher Islamic wing was already under consideration, following the panel's findings.

Presenting the panel's findings, the Chairman of the Visitation Panel, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, said the panel found that while the college's administrative and management structure remains functional, its leadership and decision-making processes require a complete overhaul.

The panel also raised concerns about staff and student welfare, physical and administrative infrastructure, and the institution's compliance with directives from supervisory bodies, describing the college's financial application and resource management as weak.

To address these gaps, the Chairman said the panel put forward six key recommendations, including strengthening leadership and decision-making processes to build a more effective administration.

It also called for staff development and training to improve teaching and learning, as well as the adoption of comprehensive financial budgeting, accounting, and reporting systems.

The event was attended by the acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Commissioners of Education and Women Affairs; Permanent Secretary, Government House; among other personalities.

05/09/2026

BOSEPA Leads Sanitation Exercise Across Maiduguri, Jere as APC Women Leader Joins Campaign

The Borno State Ministry of Environment, through the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), has intensified its monthly sanitation enforcement exercise across Maiduguri, Jere Local Government Area and environs, with a renewed call for residents to maintain clean and healthy surroundings.

The exercise brought together BOSEPA officials, environmental enforcement personnel, government representatives, community associations and other stakeholders to inspect public spaces, markets and residential areas while sensitising residents and traders on proper waste disposal and environmental hygiene.

Two enforcement teams were deployed across strategic locations. Team A, led by the General Manager of BOSEPA, Abubakar Suleiman, was joined by the Borno State APC Women Leader, Hon. Hajja Zara Mohammed, while Team B was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Alhaji Musa Ngoma, alongside officials of the Borno State Traffic Management Agency (BOTMA).

The teams covered several areas, including Monday Market, Lamuwasawa, Bulabulin, Custom/Gamboru Market, Moro-Moro, Gwange, London Ciki and other locations within Maiduguri and Jere.

The One Health Team, led by the Director of Public Health, Borno State Ministry of Health, Dr. Goni Imam Ali, also participated in the exercise, reinforcing collaboration between the health, environment and livestock sectors in promoting environmental and public health.

A major highlight was the participation of Hon. Hajja Zara Mohammed, who joined BOSEPA officials in inspecting sanitation activities and encouraged women, community groups, traders and residents to make cleanliness a daily responsibility.

She also participated in the flag-off of the women's sanitation exercise at the entrance of the Shehu of Borno's residence and visited sanitation activities at several locations, including Damboa Road, Gamboru One Primary School, Gonidam Ngari, Flour Mill, Baga Road and Wulari Area Court.

In recognition of her support for environmental cleanliness and women's participation in sanitation activities, BOSEPA presented Hon. Hajja Zara with a Letter of Commendation and appointed her Patron of the BOSEPA Monthly Sanitation Exercise.

Hon. Hajja Zara commended BOSEPA management and its personnel for their dedication and assured the agency and community groups of her continued support through advocacy, awareness, ideas and encouragement.

She urged residents, particularly women, to sustain cleanliness in their homes, businesses and communities, while calling on the people of Borno to continue supporting the administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and its development initiatives.

The sanitation exercise forms part of the administration's broader efforts to improve environmental conditions, protect public health and support the ongoing reconstruction, recovery and development of Borno State.

BOSEPA further urged residents to desist from indiscriminate refuse dumping, comply with environmental regulations and take collective responsibility for keeping their communities clean.

- Borno New Media

04/09/2026

Zulum Clears ₦622.3m NECO Fees for 27,599 Borno Students

The Borno State Government has presented a cheque of ₦622,308,300 to the National Examinations Council (NECO) office in Maiduguri, covering 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 27,599 final-year students in public schools across the state.

Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, made the presentation on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in continuation of a state policy in place since 2019 that subsidises 75 percent of WASSCE, SSCE and NABTEB fees for eligible students.

According to the Commissioner, a total of ₦1,195,661,872.50 has been committed in 2026 alone toward WASSCE, SSCE, SISE and NABTEB fees, bringing the state's cumulative investment in external examination fees since 2019 to ₦5,987,567,125.00, benefiting 193,396 students.

Wakilbe said the 2026 SSCE, held across the state's 24 Local Government Areas, proceeded largely smoothly, despite a security incident in Lassa on June 29, in which 36 learners and one teacher, including a candidate who was sitting the examination at the time were abducted. He prayed for their safe and swift return.

"This gesture reflects Governor Babagana Umara Zulum's unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child in Borno State is denied the opportunity to sit for their final examinations because of financial hardship," Wakilbe said.

"Since 2019, we have invested nearly ₦6 billion to keep our children in school and in the examination hall, and we will not relent until every eligible student benefits from this policy. Our thoughts remain with the affected learners and their teacher from Lassa, and we continue to pray fervently for their safe and immediate return to their families and classrooms," he added.

The Commissioner commended NECO officials, local government chairmen, education secretaries, school principals, teachers, parents and security agencies for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination.

He further pledged the state government's continued support toward the planned rollout of Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations in 2027.

04/09/2026

Borno: School Enrolment Hits Record 1.8 Million as Wakilbe Unveils Census Report

Borno State has recorded its highest-ever school enrolment figure, with 1,801,295 learners captured in the newly presented 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Annual School Census (ASC) Report.

Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe unveiled the report on Friday at the Ministry of Education Work Hub, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri and it indicates a jump of more than 1 million pupils over nine years.

He described the figures as proof that the state's rebuilding of its education system is paying off.

"When you look at where we started, 766,551 learners in 2017/2018, and see where we are today, this is not just a number; it is evidence that parents and communities once again trust our schools with their children's future," Engr. Wakilbe said.

The Commissioner attributed the renewed public confidence in education and sustained state investment in rebuilding and expanding the sector to the improved enrolment which grow steadily from 766,551 in 2017/2018 to the current 1,801,295.

Engr. Lawan Wakilbe credited Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his sustained commitment to education, and Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for driving the national education data agenda, including the Digital National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS).

He also thanked enumerators, head teachers, Local Government Education Authorities and EMIS staff who conducted the census.

Teaching workforce grows alongside enrolment:

The Commissioner for Education said the teaching workforce across primary, junior secondary and senior secondary levels rose from 15,563 in 2024/2025 to 17,565 in 2025/2026.

At the senior secondary level alone, teacher numbers grew from 2,314 to 2,998 and are projected to reach 3,998 in 2027 following the recruitment of 1,000 additional senior secondary teachers in August 2026. Including facilitators supporting Sangaya and mass literacy programmes, the state's combined teaching workforce now stands at an estimated 19,316.

"We cannot talk about access without talking about the people who stand in front of the classroom every day. That is why, alongside rising enrolment, we have deliberately grown our teaching workforce because more pupils must mean more qualified teachers, not more overcrowded classrooms," the Commissioner said.

System expansion and Sangaya integration:

The Census, according to the Commission, shows that the number of functional public secondary schools rose from 34 in 2021 to 129 in 2026, and that the state achieved 100 per cent reporting coverage across pre-primary/primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, and science and technical schools in this census cycle.

He added that the establishment of the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, the development of High Islamic Colleges, and the ongoing registration and verification of Sangaya centres, enumerators, facilitators, and Islamiyya schools reflect the state's push to integrate Sangaya education into the wider system formally.

The Educational Management Information System (DNEMIS) currently records 127,652 verified Sangaya learners. However, an ongoing verification exercise by the Sangaya Board has so far identified 498,295 learners across 5,335 centres. The Sangaya Board and the State Agency for Mass Literacy together deploy 1,751 facilitators supporting these learning centres.

The event was attended by the Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Prof. Bulama Kagu; Executive Chairman, BSSEB, Prof. Yusufu Gana Balami; Executive Secretary, Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, Dr Abdulkadir Abdulkarim; Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Yakaru Mustapha; Permanent Secretary, SUBEB, Dr Hyelni Mshelia. AGILE Coordinator, Engr. Ibrahim Baba; representative of the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Adamu Idris Bako; Dr Yusuf Isma, who led the UNICEF and donor partners' delegation; and Mohammed Abdullahi Director, Borno Civil Society Organisations' delegation.

Also present were Suleiman Askira (Director-General, Statistics), Alhaji Abba Bukar (Chairman, SBMC), Abba Kurama (DPRS, representing the Executive Secretary, Education Trust Fund), along with Eduas well asretaries and Directors from across the sector.

31/08/2026

Borno: Zulum Pledges Accelerated Reconstruction of Malam Fatori Town
..Sacks Village and Ward Heads Over Absence

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged the accelerated reconstruction of critical public infrastructure in Mallam-Fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area, as part of efforts to support residents returning to communities liberated from insurgency.

Governor Zulum made the commitment on Monday during a working visit to the border community, where he assessed the condition of public facilities and engaged directly with residents on their immediate needs. He inspected destroyed schools, government buildings, and housing facilities across the town.

Mallam-Fatori a war-ravaged border town remains one of the communities hardest hit by years of insurgency, with dilapidated buildings, abandoned facilities, and damaged public infrastructure standing as visible reminders of a community whose development was interrupted by conflict.

At the end of the inspection, Governor Zulum directed the immediate construction of an Islamiyya (Islamic) school, primary and secondary schools, as well as a hospital, to restore essential services and improve access to education and healthcare for residents.

"Provision of basic amenities is critical to enabling returnees to rebuild their lives, restore livelihoods, and give their children a stronger foundation for the future," Zulum said.

The governor also met with residents. The engagement gave residents an opportunity to speak directly with government officials about the challenges confronting them and the support required to fully restore normal life.

At the headquarters of the 68 Battalion Nigerian Army, in Mallam-Fatori, Governor Zulum met with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel D. Y. Chuwar, along with senior officers and troops deployed to the area.

He commended their courage, resilience, and commitment to maintaining security and facilitating the return of civilian life, and assured them of his administration's continued support, particularly in providing essential needs to enhance their operational effectiveness.
..Sacks Village and Ward Heads over Absence

Governor Zulum also directed the immediate suspension of all village and ward heads in Mallam-Fatori and ordered that the process for appointing new representatives to serve the returning population begin without delay.

The directive comes amid renewed government efforts to rebuild Mallam-Fatori, a community heavily affected by years of insurgency and displacement.

The governor expressed concern over the absence of village and ward heads during his visit, describing it as unacceptable at a time when residents are returning and communities are beginning the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

"Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in stabilising communities emerging from conflict. Their presence is essential not only for maintaining communication between government and residents but also for strengthening community resilience and providing leadership as returnees settle into their ancestral homes," Zulum said.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, to work closely with His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno to commence the process of appointing new village and ward heads for Mallam-Fatori without delay.

Zulum emphasised that the new appointees must be persons of proven integrity, competence, commitment, and ingenuity capable of understanding the realities confronting residents and working with government and security agencies to restore stability and development.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the member representing Abadam Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jamna B**g; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele; the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe; and other government officials.

26/08/2026

Zulum Celebrates Walson-Jack's Legacy, Says Her Experience Remains a National Asset

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has described the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as a thoroughbred technocrat whose experience and contributions to advancing Nigeria's civil service are invaluable.

The Governor made the remarks on Tuesday at the official launch of Walson-Jack's two books, "Beyond the Mandate" and "I Planted," held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, in celebration of her distinguished 34-year public service career.

Zulum commended Walson-Jack for her remarkable commitment and contributions during her service in Cross River State, Bayelsa State, and the Federal Civil Service, stressing that her retirement should not be seen as the end of her service to the nation, but as the beginning of a new chapter in which her knowledge, experience, and relationships can continue to benefit the country.

"You are retiring from an office, not from service. The knowledge, relationships and experience accumulated over more than three decades will remain invaluable national assets," Zulum said.

He encouraged her to continue contributing to national development through mentorship, policy development, and other avenues of public service.

In recognition of her contributions and the significance of the books, Zulum announced that the Borno State Government would purchase 100 copies at a cost of ₦30 million.

The Governor wished Walson-Jack good health, fulfilment, and continued impact as she begins this new chapter, commending her for documenting her experiences and the lessons drawn from decades of distinguished service.

The high-profile event drew prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the wife of former Head of State, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Mohammed; alongside other senior government officials, public servants, dignitaries, family members, and well-wishers.

25/08/2026

Zulum leads Borno govt delegation for 2026 Maulid

…Urges congregation to intensify prayers for peace in Nigeria, Borno

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, led a high-powered government delegation to this year's Maulid celebration held at Madinatu in Jere Local Government Area, where he called on the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for lasting peace in Nigeria and Borno State in particular.

The annual Maulid celebration, a long-standing tradition, commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and attracted thousands of Tijaniyya adherents to the Madinatu Mosques for Dhikr, Salawat, and continuous recitation of prayers.

Speaking at the event, Governor Zulum commended the statesmanship of Khalifa Ahmed Abulfathi and appreciated the Madinatu community and the Tijaniyya sect for their unwavering prayers and support. He urged Islamic clerics to continue preaching the message of peace and unity, assuring them of his administration's continued support.

The Governor's remarks come at a critical time as Borno State continues its recovery and reconstruction efforts following years of insurgency.

Earlier, Khalifa Ahmed Abulfathi appreciated the Governor for attending the Maulid celebration, marking the second time the Governor has graced the event—and acknowledged Zulum's contributions to the cause of Islam in the state. He prayed for the Governor's success and for peace to reign in the state.

The celebration concluded with prayers for the nation, for lasting peace and prosperity.

25/08/2026

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR BABAGANA ZULUM ON HIS BIRTHDAY

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, on his birthday on August 25.

President Tinubu celebrates the academic, visionary, and reformist who has brought stability to Borno and deepened the state's development.

The President applauds Governor Zulum's people-centred leadership, particularly his investment in projects with far-reaching impact on human capital development, such as rural clinics, schools, and skill acquisition centres.

President Tinubu acknowledges Zulum's pragmatism and ability to rally minds around a cause, and commends his efforts to promote national unity.

"Governor Zulum is one of the exceptional governors of this dispensation. He brought the rigour and discipline of academia into governance, introduced landmark reforms, and fostered development in Borno. I thank him for his support and encourage him to keep providing exemplary leadership to the people.

"As he celebrates this birthday, I wish him more years of good health and renewed strength as he continues to serve Borno and the nation," the President says.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 25, 2026.

25/08/2026

Media aides present 7th Verdict to Zulum
. I'm human, not perfect--Governor

The media aides of the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, have officially presented the seventh edition of his administration’s flagship publication, The 7th Verdict, at an event attended by members of the State House of Assembly, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and many other stakeholders.

The publication is a compendium of news reports, analyses, features, columns, commentaries, discourses, editorials, selected speeches and a scorecard on the seventh year of Zulum's tenure as governor from May 29, 2025 to May 28, 2026.

The latest compendium is a 213-page document with 21 sections, including a scorecard on Zulum’s performance in his seventh year as well as a special section documenting the political activities building up to the 2027 general elections.

The publication comprises newspaper editorials from different media organisations which chronicled Zulum’s post-conflict recovery efforts such as refugees' repatriation and the stabilisation mechanism for those returning from the IDP camps.

The sectoral compilation in the 7th Verdict comprises three stories on Zulum’s humanitarian engagements, 28 news articles and discourses on security, 8 stories on resettlement and reconstruction and 17 on Education, indicating a shift from humanitarian activities to providing robust security and infrastructure.

The compendium has other publications on infrastructure, agriculture, water resources and environment; religion, culture and festivities; budget, economic planning, and commerce; civil service, vocations and appointments; and activities from the Deputy Governor’s Office.

The 7th Verdict also documents issues from the Office of the First Lady; Zulum’s ‘Unusual’ Approach to Governance and Witnesses to his Service Delivery. There are also articles on awards, tributes and special occasions; foreign, intergovernmental and development partnerships; speeches as well as engagements and discourses emanating from the North-East Governors’ Forum.

The presentation was led by the publisher of the compendium and the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, and assisted by the governor’s media aides, including the Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya; STA on Print Communications, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi; and SSA on Media, Baba Sheikh Haruna.

Also joining the presentation are the editorial adviser, Dr Sharafa Dauda, SA on Photography, Mohammed Alhaji Gana and assistant editors (compilation) Habu Kale Tijjani, Auwal Mohammed Umar and Dogo M Shettima.
. I'm human, not perfect--Governor

Responding after the official unveiling of the 7th verdict, Governor Zulum noted that despite the monumental achievements recorded by his administration, he is human and may have made some wrong decisions.

“There is no power except that of the Almighty Allah. We thank Allah for all that we have achieved; it is not by our power or knowledge but with the help of Almighty Allah,” Zulum said.

He added. “I think we have done more than 1,500 projects; I would rather say 1,500 clusters of projects, because in the water sector alone we have more than 1,500 projects. Despite all my achievements, I am a human being; I have many wrongdoings. We are not perfect.”

Zulum commended journalists and the Nigerian media industry for focusing on what he described as developmental journalism.

“I don't want to talk much; I am beginning to be nostalgic and emotional. You know, people tend to forget things so easily. In the first, second, up to the third year of this administration, our visits to Monguno, where we spend from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm coordinating food distribution. Our journalists are fully involved in the process.”

“Remember our visits to Ngala, Kala-Balge, Damboa, Chibok and the almighty Baga; we have faced the threats, the risks and everything together. We are very grateful,” Zulum stated.

He also commended members of his media team for their consistent efforts to showcase and document the achievements of his administration since 2019.

21/08/2026

FG, Borno working to rescue 44 abducted M***a school children

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has disclosed that the federal government and Borno State Government are working closely to ensure the safe rescue of schoolchildren abducted from M***a community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The Governor stated this on Friday during a meeting with parents of the abducted children at the Government House, Maiduguri. The meeting was convened at the request of the parents, who have been calling for urgent action from the authorities.

Zulum expressed the deep sympathy of the Tinubu-led Federal Government and reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's personal commitment to ensuring the children are safely returned to their families.

He assured the parents that, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and Borno State Government will do everything possible to secure the children's release.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I once again extend my sympathies over what happened at M***a Central Primary School on the 15th of May 2026 that led to the abduction of about 44 primary school pupils,” Zulum said.

“Also, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sympathise with you. I want to assure you that Mr President has since directed security agencies to ensure the rescue of our children, and I believe they are working to ensure their rescue”, He stated.

The meeting was attended by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; the Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; and the Commissioners of Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, Dr Samaila Abdulaziz Satumari, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr Juliana Bitrus.

Borno APC New Media

07/09/2026

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

31/08/2026

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

21/08/2026

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