Zulum Opens 48-Classroom High Islamic College In Gubio, Commissions Three LGA Projects
By Bukar BOLORI
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has inaugurated a newly built 48-classroom High Islamic College in Gubio Local Government Area, marking another step in the state’s drive to reform and strengthen the education sector.
The college, designed to combine Western education with the traditional sangaya (Qur’anic) learning system, is part of the governor’s broader policy to deliver an integrated and inclusive education model.
The institution will operate a hybrid curriculum that blends Islamic studies with modern academic subjects and vocational training.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Zulum said the initiative was aimed at preserving the rich heritage of Islamic scholarship while ensuring students acquire the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s society.
According to him, the reformed sangaya system provides learners with grounding in religious values alongside instruction in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, basic English and vocational skills.
He noted that graduates of the programme are now better positioned to pursue further education in conventional tertiary institutions.
“Our objective is to modernise the system without eroding its values. We are strengthening Islamic education while introducing contemporary subjects that prepare learners for higher education and productive participation in society,” Zulum said.
He explained that schools operating under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) approved curriculum now offer pathways for students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and advance to universities and other higher institutions.
The High Islamic College features 48 classrooms, administrative offices and a library. It is expected to serve hundreds of students from Gubio and neighbouring communities, easing the burden on families who previously had to send children far from home in search of quality integrated education.
The governor also commissioned the Gubio II Junior Day Secondary School, constructed by the Borno State Government.
During an inspection of the facilities, the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the school was designed to provide safe, inclusive and conducive learning spaces, with particular emphasis on improving access to education for adolescent girls.
In a related development, Governor Zulum commissioned three additional projects executed by the Gubio Local Government Council under its chairman, Mali Bulama Mali Gubio.
The projects include the Gubio Oil Mills, the Zulum Ultramodern Clinic and the Mustapha Gubio Shopping Complex.
The events attracted top government officials and traditional rulers, including the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zanah and Engr. Bukar Talba.
Also present were the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners, special advisers and other senior officials.
