Support groups linked to the Renewed Hope Ambassadors have been called upon to step up efforts in educating the public about the accomplishments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Delta State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, issued the directive in Asaba while speaking to representatives from over 35 such groups at a strategic gathering.
Solomon noted that a significant number of Nigerians still do not fully grasp the scale of the economic and security difficulties the Tinubu administration inherited when it took office in May 2023.
He described the nation as having been in a precarious position both economically and in terms of security, insisting that decisive measures were essential to pull the country back from the edge.
“The nation was in critical condition on the economic and security fronts. Firm steps had to be taken to steer Nigeria away from collapse,” he stated.
“Actions such as ending the fuel subsidy, plans for state police, and the student loan programme—which has eased the burden on many parents and students—have placed the country on a path toward recovery and prosperity,” he added.
Solomon urged the group leaders to educate citizens about the advantages of these policies and the brighter prospects that lie ahead.
“Our responsibility is to help people understand the benefits of these firm decisions and the positive direction the country is heading, so they can choose wisely in 2027,” he said.
“Nigeria is undergoing reconstruction, and this work takes time to complete. That is why President Tinubu deserves a second term to finish what he has started,” Solomon continued.
On the security front, he explained that the constitutional steps toward permitting states to create their own police forces would allow them greater authority over local security arrangements.
Once finalised, he said, states would assume more responsibility for their safety and address shortcomings of the current centralised police system.
Solomon emphasised that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors does not manage the All Progressives Congress (APC) but simply backs the party and the Tinubu government.
He described members of the group as “ground-level advocates” tasked with publicising the President’s successes and rallying support for his administration.
“We serve as the grassroots messengers spreading word of Tinubu’s progress. The APC remains the most reliable platform for putting Nigeria on a solid footing again,” he remarked.
He also pointed to the student loan initiative and the uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigerian universities since 2023 as further examples of the administration’s successes.
The meeting, Solomon explained, formed part of broader moves to reinforce community-level outreach and ensure citizens receive clear information on the Tinubu government’s policies and programmes before the 2027 polls.
The President of the Essi College Old Students’ Association (ECOSA) Worldwide, Olorogun Sylvester Bighoro (JP), has called on governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts aimed at improving infrastructure and learning facilities at Essi College, Warri.
Bighoro made the call while speaking with newsmen during an old students’ meeting held at Otor-Udu on September 13, where he disclosed that he had “held the fort” as President of the association for the past 27 years.
According to him, ECOSA has remained committed to the development of the institution through regular meetings where issues affecting the school are discussed and possible avenues of support explored.
The ECOSA President noted that Essi College has produced accomplished professionals, industrialists, politicians and business leaders who have made significant contributions to society.
He attributed part of their success to the strong work ethic instilled in them during their years in the institution, particularly through the school’s motto, “I Di Labor,” which he explained means that there is no success without labour.
He said the old students consider themselves privileged to have passed through the institution and are determined to set good examples for current students while contributing to the preservation of the school’s legacy.
He stressed that ECOSA remains committed to ensuring that the necessary equipment, modern technology and infrastructure are provided to enhance teaching and learning.
Bighoro, however, expressed concern over the continued non-use of a building donated to the school by Chevron, which he said has remained inaccessible for about four years due to a dispute between the company and the contractors.
He appealed to relevant government authorities, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in resolving the matter.
According to him, the school is also faced with the absence of essential facilities, including an examination hall and laboratory.
He emphasised that such facilities are critical to effective learning and called for urgent intervention to safeguard the legacy of Essi College as a renowned citadel of learning.
The ECOSA President also urged parents to pay close attention to the welfare and upbringing of their children as schools resume.
He advised parents to guide and monitor their children closely to prevent them from engaging in cult-related activities, drug abuse and other social vices that could negatively affect their future.
Known for his commitment to service and community impact, Hon. Sylvester Bighoro traditionally celebrates his birthday with his alma mater, and this year’s celebration was no exception, as members of the old students’ association gathered to mark the occasion and reaffirm their commitment to the development of the institution.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Collins Okubokeyhe Osilemor commended the ECOSA Worldwide President for his magnanimous efforts and dedication to hosting and supporting the association over the years.
He described Bighoro’s contributions as “superlative” and appreciated the elders and other stakeholders who attended the gathering.
Osilemor further assured the gathering that he would reach out to the relevant organisations concerning the requests and concerns raised by the association, expressing hope that the necessary support would be secured for the development of Essi College.
Elders, leaders and key stakeholders of the Ughievwen Kingdom, which forms Ughelli South Local Government Area Constituency I, on Sunday declared their unwavering commitment to deliver massive votes for every All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The powerful show of unity took place at a high-profile meeting of the who-is-who in Ughievwen politics, convened by the member representing Ughelli South Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama.
The meeting was held at the residence of the late Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama in Otu-Jeremi, Delta State, and drew a cross-section of traditional rulers, political heavyweights, youth leaders and community influencers determined to present a united front.
Addressing the assembly, Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama expressed profound gratitude to the people for their solid backing during the just-concluded APC primary election for Ughelli South Constituency I, which he won convincingly.
“This meeting is first and foremost a thanksgiving,” Utuama told the gathering. “You stood by me, you believed in me, and you delivered victory. Today I stand before you not only as your representative but as a son of Ughievwen who is determined to repay that trust with even greater results.”
He went on to catalogue the concrete achievements of his tenure, pointing to new and renovated school infrastructure spread across several towns in the local government area.
“Classrooms that once leaked are now solid, and our children now learn in an environment that befits their future,” he said.
Utuama also highlighted economic empowerment programmes that have put cash in the hands of hundreds of constituents and secured gainful employment for many others. With the constituency now more compact than in his first term, he promised that development would become even more visible and impactful. “The smaller the space, the sharper the focus. Expect more projects, more jobs and more tangible progress in the years ahead,” he declared to thunderous applause.
Rt. Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, equally thanked the Ughievwen people for their consistent support.
“Ughievwen has never failed me, and I will never fail Ughievwen,” Waive stated emphatically. He reeled out a list of landmark federal projects secured for the area, including the Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian and the School of Nursing at Otughievwen, describing them as life-changing institutions that would serve generations.
He further noted the progressive bills he has sponsored, some already signed into law and others advancing through the legislative process. “These are not mere documents; they are tools for development, empowerment and justice for our people,” he said. Looking ahead to a possible third term, Waive vowed to do even more. “When you re-elect me, the dividends will multiply. I urge you to extend the same love and loyalty you have shown me to every other APC candidate — from the presidential ticket down to the state assembly. Together we will make history in 2027.”
Other prominent sons of Ughievwen who addressed the meeting reinforced the call for total mobilisation. Chief Akpokiboro Patrick Fovie, former Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, pledged to work tirelessly at the grassroots.
Olorogun Johnson Boro, a former Commissioner in DESOPADEC, reminded the audience of the party’s track record of delivery. Mr. Simon Mudi (popularly known as Temple), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, and Olorogun Godwin Okporoko, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, both stressed the need for discipline and unity.
Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, Chairman, Udu Local Government Council, Chief Ubu Digbame Jiminyevwen, APC Youth Leader for Delta Central, and Deacon Matthew Kwode, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, along with several other speakers, promised to deploy every available structure to ensure an overwhelming margin of victory for the APC.
In a collective appeal that drew sustained applause, the leaders urged all aggrieved party members to set aside personal grievances and work for the greater good.
“The house must not be divided,” one speaker declared. “Our strength lies in our unity. Let us bury every difference and deliver the highest possible votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, Rt. Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Festus Utuama.
By the close of the meeting, the message was unmistakable: Ughievwen is standing as one. The elders, leaders and stakeholders left Otu-Jeremi with a clear mandate — to translate their words into action and deliver a landslide for the All Progressives Congress in 2027.
The Old Students Association of Oproza Grammar School, Patani (OGSOSA), has paid a courtesy visit to the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Barr. Shedrack Peremobowei Erebulu (Aduo III), with a passionate appeal for support towards the rehabilitation and development of the school.
The visit was aimed at soliciting the monarch’s intervention and support in restoring the glory of Oproza Grammar School, which, according to the association, has produced notable leaders and professionals across various sector of society.
Speaking during the visit, the President of OGSOSA, Dame Prof. Celestina Predes Kekai, appealed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently look into the deteriorating infrastructure at the school.
She stressed that the institution had contributed immensely to the development of human capital and deserved adequate attention and maintenance.
Prof. Kekai also solicited support for the resuscitation of the school’s academic and infrastructural facilities, particularly the Physics, Science and Home Economics laboratories, as well as the provision of qualified Mathematics teachers, water and electricity.
She noted that addressing these challenges would help create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The Principal of Oproza Grammar School, Oyeghe Beatrice, expressed delight at receiving the OGSOSA executives, saying she is optimistic that the visit would foster positive changes and bring renewed development to the institution.
Responding, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom commended the OGSOSA executives for their commitment to the alma mater and advised the association to formally approach the relevant government agencies with their requests, in line with established procedures.
He, however, assured the delegates that he would do his best to ensure that their concerns received the necessary attention.
In a move towards immediate intervention, the monarch assured the delegates that the traditional chiefs of the alma mater would support the school by providing a mono pump to address its water needs.
His Royal Majesty further advised OGSOSA to organise an orientation programme for the students, exposing them to the possibilities and opportunities available to them in life.
He urged the association to inspire the students by letting them understand that they could grow to become professors, politicians and other accomplished professions who would contribute meaningfully to society.
The monarch thereafter offered prayers for the association, expressing hope that the OGSOSA executives would record tangible achievements during their tenure. He also prayed for greater blessings, success and renewed progress for Oproza Grammar School, Patani.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in education, saying it remains central to securing a better future for the younger generation and positioning Borno as a hub for intellectuals and skilled professionals.
The Governor made this known on Wednesday while hosting the Forum of Heads of Tertiary Institutions at the Council Chambers, Government House, Maiduguri.
Zulum promised to review the salaries of staff at Ramat Polytechnic and the state’s Colleges of Education, provide funding for the accreditation of academic programmes, recruit academic staff based on institutional demand, and construct, expand, and rehabilitate physical infrastructure of some institutions alongside other forms of institutional support.
“Education is the bedrock for any meaningful development, and therefore investment in education will never be in vain,” Zulum said.
“I invited the heads of tertiary institutions to discuss one fundamental issue: the payment of salary arrears and the implementation of promotions and benefits for staff of tertiary institutions in the state. I want to pay, but I want you to review it very well and get back to me within the next one to two weeks,” he added.
The Governor said his priority is to transform two institutions, Abba Ashigar College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, and the College of Legal and Islamic Studies to restore them to their rightful place in society. He directed the Provost of the College of Business and Management Studies, Konduga, which was established to provide skilled middle-level manpower for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state, to reintroduce courses such as Office Technology and Auditing to enhance the capacity of local government staff.
Zulum further pledged to rehabilitate the staff quarters at Ramat Polytechnic and remodel the students’ hostel at the College of Nursing, Maiduguri, to accommodate more students.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Vice Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Professor Babagana Gutti, commended the Governor for the unprecedented progress recorded in the education sector, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, as well as the establishment of new federal and state tertiary institutions.
He, however, appealed for additional funding to run the institutions, a review of staff salaries, recruitment of more academic and non-academic staff, construction of staff quarters at institutions that lack them, rehabilitation of existing staff quarters, and the provision of buses to ease students’ transportation costs.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Acting Head of Service, the Acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, and other government officials.
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 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.
In a renewed push to curb violent conflicts and decongest courts in Kaduna State, more than 60 stakeholders drawn from the judiciary, civil society, academia, women and faith groups have completed a two-day intermediate training on Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR.
In a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna following the successful completion of the training, Ambassador Yakubu said the programme could not have come at a better time, given the growing need for dialogue and mediation across communities in the state and the country at large.
The capacity-building programme, organised by the German Embassy in Nigeria in partnership with the Interfaith Mediation Centre, IMC, and the Kaduna State Multi-Door Courthouse, KDMDC, brought together participants from the three senatorial zones of the state to strengthen community-based mechanisms for conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.
Commending the organisers, the Team Leader of the Network of Peace Journalists, NPJ, Ambassador Ibrahima Yakubu, described the initiative as “an important intervention aimed at strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders to prevent conflicts, mediate disputes and promote peaceful coexistence within their communities.”
He listed participants to include representatives of the Public Complaints Commission, International Human Rights Commission, Interfaith Mediation Centre, judges, lawyers, lecturers, women leaders and religious leaders, as well as members of civil society organisations and academia.
According to him, the training exposed participants to practical approaches to understanding conflict dynamics, conflict analysis, personality types and various mechanisms of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
“The knowledge and skills acquired during the programme will enable participants to intervene more effectively in community disputes and prevent minor disagreements from developing into violent conflicts or lengthy court cases,” Ambassador Yakubu stated.
He added that facilitators encouraged participants to establish what he described as “mediation tents” within their communities and workplaces. The concept, he explained, is to create accessible spaces where disputes can be addressed through dialogue and mediation before escalating to litigation.
Ambassador Yakubu praised the German Embassy, IMC and KDMDC for successfully implementing the programme and for ensuring broad representation across Kaduna State.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the importance of strengthening community-based mechanisms for conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution, “particularly at a time when communities require greater access to dialogue and mediation.”
The NPJ Team Leader further commended the German Embassy and the Interfaith Mediation Centre for their continued support for peacebuilding initiatives in Nigeria, with special recognition for programmes promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding, human rights and freedom of religious belief.
“Investing in mediation, dialogue and inclusive peacebuilding will help build stronger communities and contribute to sustainable peace and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The two-day intermediate training is part of ongoing efforts by the German Embassy, IMC and KDMDC to expand access to justice and promote non-violent means of resolving disputes at the grassroots level across Kaduna State.
When General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in Niger in July 2023, ousting the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum, he promised stability, sovereignty, and a renewed fight against terrorism. Three years later, those promises ring hollow. Instead, Niger finds itself increasingly dependent on Russia, torn by internal military divisions, and estranged from its West African neighbours. The recent mutiny in Niamey which began on Saturday, August 29 at Base 101, a military installation at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, before fighting spread to other sensitive sites, including areas near the presidential palace and the state broadcaster, was suppressed only with the intervention of Russian paramilitaries, laid bare the fragility of Tiani’s regime and the dangerous trajectory of the country.
The most striking symbol of Niger’s compromised sovereignty is the involvement of Russian paramilitaries from the so‑called “Africa Corps” to suppress the rebellion. Analysts note that this was not simply assistance—it was direct intervention in Niger’s internal affairs. For a country whose junta claims to have broken free from Western “neo‑colonial” influence, the reliance on Moscow’s mercenaries reveals a new form of dependency.
Russia’s involvement in Niger is part of a broader strategy across the Sahel. In Mali and Burkina Faso, Russian operatives have entrenched themselves as security guarantors, trading military support for political loyalty and access to resources. In Niger, the pattern is repeating: sovereignty is eroded as decisions about internal security are increasingly shaped by foreign actors. For many Nigeriens, the irony is bitter—the promise of independence from Western powers has been replaced by subservience to Moscow.
Niger faces one of the most severe jihadist threats in the world. Groups linked to al‑Qaeda and ISIS operate across its borders, exploiting porous frontiers and fragile governance. Yet under Tiani, the fight against terrorism has been subordinated to regime survival. Military resources are diverted to protect the presidency and suppress dissent rather than confront insurgents in Tillabéri, Diffa, and Tahoua.
The mutiny itself was led by soldiers from frontline anti‑terrorism units—men who felt abandoned, under‑resourced, and betrayed. Their decision to turn against their own leadership underscores a dangerous reality: the armed forces are politicised, fragmented, and increasingly alienated from their mission. As one analyst put it, “The junta has militarised politics, but it has not politicised security.” The result is a hollowed‑out counter‑terrorism effort, leaving civilians exposed to relentless attacks while the regime fortifies its own survival.
Tiani’s regime suffers from a fundamental legitimacy crisis. His rise to power was not through elections but through a coup, and Bazoum remains in captivity—a stark reminder of the junta’s disregard for democratic norms. Internationally, Niger’s isolation has deepened. Sanctions, suspension from ECOWAS, and strained relations with Western partners have left the country economically vulnerable and diplomatically cornered.
Internally, the cohesion of the junta is in question. The mutiny revealed cracks within the military establishment. Soldiers storming the presidency is not just a rebellion—it is a profound crisis of trust. Loyalty to Tiani is fragile, and the spectre of further uprisings looms. For ordinary Nigeriens, this instability translates into uncertainty, fear, and a sense that their leaders are more concerned with power struggles than governance.
Against this backdrop, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) faces its own existential challenge. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—now aligned in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—have withdrawn from ECOWAS, citing hostility to military rule. The split has fractured regional integration, undermining collective security and economic cooperation.
Yet the new ECOWAS Commission President, General Birame Diop, has signalled a shift. In his inaugural address in Abuja, Diop declared that ECOWAS must rebuild unity and reopen meaningful engagement with the AES countries. “We have no other choice,” he said, stressing that geography, shared borders, and common threats make cooperation unavoidable. His words reflect a pragmatic recognition: terrorism, organised crime, and migration flows do not respect political boundaries.
Nigeria, too, has urged reconciliation. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, representing President Bola Tinubu, described Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as “our brothers and sisters,” underscoring the need for an “ECOWAS of citizens, not governments.” This vision places ordinary West Africans—the traders, migrants, and farmers who cross borders daily—at the heart of integration. For them, regional unity is not an abstract ideal but a lived necessity.
While leaders debate sovereignty and integration, ordinary Nigeriens bear the brunt of instability. In rural areas, communities face relentless jihadist attacks. Farmers abandon fields, traders risk ambushes, and families are displaced. In Niamey, the mutiny brought fear to the capital, with citizens witnessing soldiers turning their weapons inward. The sense of insecurity is pervasive.
Economic hardship compounds the crisis. Sanctions and isolation have disrupted trade, raised prices, and deepened poverty. For a country already ranked among the poorest in the world, the junta’s political choices have tangible consequences: empty markets, shuttered businesses, and dwindling opportunities for youth. The promise of sovereignty feels distant when daily survival is at stake.
Outgoing ECOWAS President Omar Touray left office with a poignant message: “Our borders may divide our territories, but they do not divide our destiny.” His words capture the essence of West Africa’s challenge. The destinies of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and their neighbours are intertwined. Terrorism, migration, and climate change are shared burdens. Division only weakens collective resilience.
For Niger, the path forward is fraught. Tiani’s regime clings to power but lacks legitimacy. Russia’s shadow looms large, offering short‑term security at the cost of sovereignty. The military is fractured, and the fight against terrorism is compromised. Yet amid this bleak picture, ECOWAS’s renewed outreach offers a glimmer of possibility. Reconciliation, though difficult, could restore regional solidarity and provide a framework for addressing shared challenges.
For Niger, the stakes are high. If it continues down its current path, it risks becoming a client state, its sovereignty hollowed out and its citizens abandoned to insecurity. But if ECOWAS and the AES countries can find common ground, there remains hope for a collective response to terrorism, poverty, and instability. For ordinary Nigeriens, that hope is not abstract—it is the difference between despair and survival.
In the words of General Diop, “We have no other choice than to work in a solidary, concerted manner.” The future of Niger, and of West Africa, depends on whether that choice is embraced.
Amajama, a social and policy analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached via amajamaip@gmail.com
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.
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.
