Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday commissioned a fully remodelled Second Chance School for vulnerable girls and women in Biu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to expand access to education and promote economic empowerment.
The newly inaugurated facility is designed to provide adult women who missed formal education or dropped out due to insecurity and other challenges with opportunities for self-reliance. Its curriculum focuses on skills acquisition, digital literacy, as well as basic reading, writing and numeracy.
With the Biu centre now operational, the state government has established three Second Chance Schools, following earlier centres in Maiduguri and Bama.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five local government areas in southern Borno. The beneficiary councils are Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar.
The governor said the financial intervention was aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening business sustainability and accelerating grassroots economic development, particularly in post-insurgency communities.
In a related move to address youth restiveness and promote social stability, Zulum approved the immediate employment of 200 youths from Biu Local Government Area.
During the visit, the governor also toured the Biu Specialist Hospital, where he announced the automatic employment of several volunteer health workers in recognition of their commitment and service.
He further inspected the ongoing construction of a 100-unit teachers’ housing estate in Biu, a project intended to attract and retain qualified teachers in public schools.
Additionally, Zulum directed the immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu, as part of efforts to revitalise public infrastructure and boost local economic activity.
