Zulum Expands Education and Healthcare Infrastructure in Biu
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the construction of two new community secondary schools in Biu Local Government Area and announced the upgrade of the town’s 150-bed General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen education and healthcare across southern Borno.
The announcements were made on Sunday during Governor Zulum’s inspection tour of key government projects and public institutions in Biu, which formed part of his week-long working visit to five local government areas in southern Borno State.
The governor said the projects are aimed at improving access to quality education, expanding healthcare services, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the continued development of the region.
Two New Community Secondary Schools Approved for Biu
Governor Zulum disclosed that the Borno State Government would immediately commence the construction of two additional community secondary schools in Biu, one for boys and another for girls.
According to him, the growing population of Biu has increased pressure on existing schools, making the expansion of educational infrastructure necessary.
He explained that the new schools would provide more opportunities for children to gain admission into junior and senior secondary schools while reducing overcrowding in existing institutions.
”Biu is increasing in terms of population on a daily basis. There is the need for the government of Borno State to increase access so that more children will be admitted into junior and senior secondary schools,” Governor Zulum said.
GGSS Biu Designated as Centre of Excellence
As part of broader education reforms, Governor Zulum announced that Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Biu has been designated as one of the state’s eight Centres of Excellence.
The initiative is designed to improve academic standards while reviving the state’s student exchange programme, which allows students from different parts of Borno to study together regardless of their geographical backgrounds.
The governor explained that the programme would strengthen unity, promote cultural understanding, and encourage peaceful coexistence among young people across the state.
Students participating in the exchange programme will also receive transportation allowances from the state government.
Food Support and Water Facilities for Students
During his visit to GGSS Biu, Governor Zulum interacted with both Muslim and Christian students and encouraged them to uphold the moral teachings of their respective faiths.
He stressed that discipline, integrity, and religious tolerance remain essential ingredients for building a peaceful and prosperous society.
To improve students’ welfare, the governor donated 200 bags of rice, Beans, Cooking oil for school feeding.
He also approved the construction of an additional borehole to serve the school kitchen and directed that the existing faulty borehole be repaired immediately to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
Support for Nigerian Army University
Governor Zulum also visited the Nigerian Army University, where he inspected two blocks of twelve three-bedroom staff quarters constructed by the Borno State Government.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the university’s plan to establish a College of Medical Sciences.
According to the governor, the proposed medical college will create more opportunities for qualified students from Borno State to study medicine and other health-related disciplines within the state.
Biu General Hospital to Become Specialist Hospital
One of the major highlights of the governor’s visit was the inspection of the new 150-bed General Hospital under construction in Biu.
Governor Zulum announced that upon completion, the facility would be upgraded to a full Specialist Hospital capable of serving not only Biu but the entire southern part of Borno State.
He noted that when combined with the existing hospital facilities, the healthcare institution would have a total capacity of between 300 and 400 beds.
The upgraded hospital will provide specialized medical services required for the Nigerian Army University’s planned College of Medical Sciences and improve healthcare delivery across the region.
The governor further revealed that the Specialist Hospital would serve residents from the eight remaining local government areas in southern Borno, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialist medical care.
Automatic Employment for Volunteer Nurses
In another major boost for the health sector, Governor Zulum approved automatic employment for 17 volunteer nurses currently serving at the General Hospital in Biu.
He stated that the recruitment forms part of the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and addressing the shortage of qualified medical personnel in public health facilities.
The governor also assured residents that additional healthcare workers would be recruited as more medical facilities become operational across the state.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Governor Zulum’s latest interventions in Biu underscore his administration’s continued investment in education, healthcare, and human capital development.
The approval of new schools, the upgrade of the General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital, support for Nigerian Army University, and employment opportunities for healthcare professionals demonstrate a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while positioning southern Borno for long-term social and economic development.
With these initiatives, the Borno State Government continues to prioritize access to quality education, modern healthcare services, youth empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure development across the state.
