27/01/2026
NUBOSS Calls for Collective Action to Rebuild Education in Borno State at International Education Day Conference
Maiduguri, Borno State – January 24, 2026
The President of the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS), Umar Alhaji, has called for stronger collaboration between government, communities, development partners, and young people to rebuild and strengthen education in conflict-affected communities across Borno State.
He made this call while delivering a keynote address at the International Education Day Virtual Conference, themed “Resilience Through Learning: Education as a Tool for Recovery,” where he spoke on the topic “Youth Call to Action on Co-Creating Education in Borno State.” The conference brought together education advocates, policymakers, teachers, NGOs, and youth leaders from across Nigeria to discuss practical solutions for improving access to education in crisis-affected areas.
In his remarks, the President highlighted the severe educational challenges facing the region, noting that Nigeria currently has about 18 million out-of-school children — the highest number globally — with a significant proportion located in Northern Nigeria and the North-East, particularly Borno State, where years of conflict have disrupted schooling for over a million children.
He described education as “the light of society” and warned that “when that light goes out, a generation walks in darkness,” emphasizing that the destruction of schools and displacement of teachers has created not just an education crisis, but a development and security crisis.
Speaking passionately about the role of young people, Umar stressed that youth must no longer be treated as passive beneficiaries of policies but as active partners in designing and implementing educational solutions. He stated that excluding youth from decision-making weakens long-term progress and sustainability.
“We are not passengers in the journey of change; we are the engine that drives it,” he said. “Education cannot be delivered to communities like charity. It must be co-created with the people, especially the youth who understand the realities on the ground.”
He further referenced global education advocates such as Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai, noting that throughout history, meaningful educational reforms have often been championed by courageous young people who refused to accept systemic barriers.
Highlighting ongoing grassroots efforts in Borno State, the NUBOSS President commended youth volunteers who teach in IDP camps, mentor younger students, and organize community literacy programs despite limited resources. He described these initiatives as proof that young people are already rebuilding the education system from the ground up.
In a strong call to action, Umar urged government authorities to increase investment in safe and inclusive schools, encouraged development partners to support youth-led initiatives, and appealed to parents and communities to prioritize sending children — especially girls — back to school.
“The future of Borno is sitting in our classrooms today,” he stated. “If we educate them, we secure tomorrow. If we neglect them, we endanger tomorrow. The responsibility to rebuild education belongs to all of us.”
He concluded by challenging young people across the state to take ownership of their learning through volunteering, mentoring, innovation, and active civic participation, reaffirming that sustainable recovery in Borno depends on empowering its youth.
The conference ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote resilient education systems that leave no child behind.
Signed:
Comr. Abdulkadir Muhammad Mala
National Public Relations Officer
NUBOSS National Headquarters.
