Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, on Wednesday, empowered 150 young men from Tsangaya schools with working tools and startup kits after they successfully completed vocational skills training under a state-led initiative.
The training programme, aimed at enhancing economic self-reliance among Almajiri learners, covered areas such as electrical installation and repairs, solar installation, leatherwork, welding, carpentry, and building construction. The beneficiaries were selected from various Sangaya Islamic learning centres across the state.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrating vocational training into the Almajiri education system, with the goal of equipping learners with practical skills for self-sufficiency.
“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,” the governor told the trainees.
He assured of continued government support for Sangaya education, emphasizing that every child deserves access to quality learning and opportunities for personal development.
Zulum also expressed concern over reports of abuse in some Islamic schools and issued a stern warning against such practices.
“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. Every one of you deserves to be treated with respect and dignity,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Borno State Sangaya Board, Kalifa Abulfatahi, said the training initiative, launched in 2023, was designed to tackle the social and economic challenges faced by Almajiri learners who often lack access to formal education.
He noted that the programme was implemented in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Board and other key stakeholders.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe—represented by Dr. Bukar Tijjani—said the ministry collaborated with relevant educational bodies to ensure that Almajiri learners received proper certification upon completion of their training.
