17/05/2025
Borno State Government Sensitizes Stakeholders on Second Chance Education
As part of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum’s broader post-conflict recovery efforts, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, on Thursday, 15th May 2025, organized a high-level sensitization session on the Second Chance Education Initiative (Component 2.2c). The session brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders from the Borno, Bama, and Dikwa Emirates.
Held in Maiduguri, the event marked a strategic step in accelerating educational recovery and promoting inclusive learning opportunities for adolescent girls and women who have been denied access to formal education due to insurgency, poverty, early marriage, and socio-cultural barriers.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Ibrahim Baba, AGILE State Project Coordinator, emphasized that the sensitization aligns with Governor Zulum’s vision of inclusive community participation in rebuilding the education sector. He acknowledged and appreciated the unwavering support of His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, and Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, for providing an enabling environment and policy direction that has allowed the AGILE project to thrive in the state.
He noted that Borno State was allocated 60 learning centers significantly more than the 20 allocated to other states reflecting the region’s prolonged educational disruption due to insecurity.
“These centers are designed to be flexible, safe, and accessible learning spaces where women and girls can restart their educational journeys and acquire life-changing skills. We are grateful to the Governor and the Hon. Commissioner for their continued support, which is critical to achieving the policy objectives already put in place,” Engr. Ibrahim stated.
Component 2.2c Lead, Aisha Ali Indimi, highlighted the importance of community ownership in sustaining the initiative. “Today’s event is aimed at sensitizing religious and traditional leaders on the objectives of Second Chance Education under the AGILE project,” she explained. “The goal is to ensure these leaders champion enrolment, retention, completion, and sustainability of the program within their communities.”
The session was facilitated by four distinguished professors who served as chief resource persons: Prof. Bosama Sheriff, Prof. Amina Abba Sanda, Prof. Maryam Babakura Imam, and Prof. Ajiri. Their presentations focused on the four key components of the Second Chance Education program: literacy, numeracy, life skills, and livelihood skills.
Participants were drawn from a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional and religious institutions, community-based organizations, and civil society groups. Their involvement is considered critical in mobilizing community support and ensuring that girls and women are encouraged to return to education.
The interactive session featured a robust exchange of ideas, with participants sharing questions, suggestions, and observations. It demonstrated strong local commitment to collaborate with the government for the successful implementation and sustainability of the Second Chance Education initiative across the state.
