Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, on Wednesday, presented working tools and startup support to 150 young men from Tsangaya schools who have completed vocational skills training under a state-led initiative aimed at fostering economic self-reliance.
Starreporters gathered that the beneficiaries, trained in Electrical Installation and Repairs, Solar Installation, Leatherwork, Welding, Carpentry, and Building Construction, were selected from Sangaya Islamic learning centers across the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrating vocational training into the Almajiri education system to equip learners with practical skills for self-reliance. “By attending this training programme, you have taken a crucial step toward securing your future. Equipped with new skills, you now have the power to transform your dreams into reality,” he said.
The governor assured the beneficiaries of his government’s continued support for Sangaya education, stressing that every child deserves access to quality learning and opportunities for personal development.
Zulum also raised concerns over reports of abuse in some Islamic schools and warned that the Borno State Government would not tolerate any form of violence or corporal punishment against Almajiri children. “I stand firm in the commitment that the Borno State Government will not tolerate any form of molestation or violence, such as caning, against any Almajiri,” he stated. “Every one of you deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Borno State Sangaya Board, Kalifa Abulfatahi, highlighted that the training initiative, launched in 2023, was designed to address the social and economic challenges faced by Almajiri learners who often lack access to formal education. He noted that the programme was implemented in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Board and other relevant stakeholders.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, represented by Dr. Bukar Tijjani, added that the ministry had partnered with educational bodies to ensure that the Almajiri learners received certification upon the completion of their training.
(NAN)