The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Mathew Verghis, has commissioned seven major projects executed under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration, underscoring the state’s progress in post-insurgency recovery, urban renewal, and human capital development.
The projects comprise a flyover bridge, three modern mega schools, and three dual-carriageway road networks, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure and education.
Dr. Verghis, who performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, praised Governor Zulum’s leadership. “These schools are more than buildings; they are a testament. They send a message to every young person that their future matters,” he said, noting the World Bank’s continued support for the state.
The newly commissioned educational facilities include the 30-classroom Government Secondary School, Mainusari, Mairi; the 30-classroom Mega Primary School, Maimusari; and the 20-classroom Command Secondary School, Maiduguri. Infrastructure projects include the West End Flyover Bridge, the Sultan Mainalari Dual Carriage Road (1.53 km), the Bursari Dual Carriage Road (2.3 km), and the Shehu Sanda Kura Dual Carriage Road (2.4 km).
Governor Zulum highlighted key achievements, noting that 104 new schools have been built and 2,931 classrooms rehabilitated, reducing out-of-school children by over 70 per cent to fewer than 800,000, with enrolment rising to more than 1.4 million as of December 2025. He also cited support programmes providing textbooks, uniforms, school bags, bicycles, and school feeding to boost access and retention.
He emphasised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including five Vocational Enterprise Institutes, three Second-Chance Women and Girls Skills Schools, and nine reactivated vocational training centres. Reforms in the Tsangaya education system are also underway, with 20 of 27 Higher Islamic Colleges completed, combining literacy, ICT, and vocational skills.
Beyond education, Governor Zulum detailed infrastructure development, including 7.44 km of dual carriageways, 14.86 km of drainage, four flyovers, and over 412 km of roads across the state to support urban renewal and economic growth.
“The progress we are witnessing today reflects our commitment to equitable development and giving hope to our people,” he added.
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