The Government Day Secondary School in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, which had been closed for over ten years, was officially reopened on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.Â
This significant milestone was achieved by constructing a new school building, spearheaded by the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation as part of its AGILE project.
The reopening ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and community members. The Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, represented His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State.
In his remarks, Engr. Wakilbe expressed the governor’s commitment to revitalizing education across the state, particularly in areas previously impacted by conflict.
As part of the government’s support for the school, Engr. Wakilbe announced several initiatives to ensure a smooth start for students.
He revealed that the government had provided free school uniforms, books, bags, stockings, and shoes to every student.
Additionally, N300,000 was allocated for sewing the uniforms, and a N1 million take-off grant was given to the school to support its operations.
The new school facilities include fully equipped computer labs, three science laboratories, reliable water supply systems, and solar-powered electricity, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
Professor Suleman Bello, a respected member of the Ngoshe community and former Chairman of the Borno State Teaching Service Board, delivered a heartfelt speech at the event.
He expressed the deep gratitude of the Ngoshe community towards Governor Zulum for fulfilling their long-standing requests for the reopening of the school.
Prof. Bello highlighted the significant impact this would have on the education of children in the community, many of whom had been deprived of formal schooling for years.
Other officials, including Ibrahim Sarki, a Permanent Member of the Senior Secondary School Education Board, and Engineer Ibrahim Baba, the AGILE project coordinator, also spoke at the event.
They encouraged the community to make the most of the government’s investment in education and stressed the importance of maintaining the new school facilities to benefit future generations.
A key part of the ceremony was the formal commissioning of the school, marking its official return to the community.
The event also saw the distribution of “Back to School” kits to newly enrolled students, signaling a fresh start for many who had been out of school due to the closure.
Following the inauguration, the Commissioner for Education conducted an inspection of the Ngoshe Central Primary and Junior Day Secondary School.
He expressed concern over the high rate of absenteeism among teachers at these schools and directed that disciplinary measures be taken to address the issue.
Engr. Wakilbe emphasized that teacher attendance was crucial to ensuring the success of the government’s educational reforms.
The day’s activities concluded with a visit to Gwoza town, where the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness Mohammed Shehu Idrisa Timta.
During the visit, the Commissioner briefed the Emir on the reopening of the Ngoshe school, seeking his support in ensuring the school’s long-term success.
The Emir expressed his appreciation for the government’s efforts and pledged the support of the traditional institution in promoting education in the region.
The reopening of the Government Day Secondary School Ngoshe marks a major achievement in the state’s efforts to rebuild and restore educational opportunities in areas that were severely affected by insurgency.
With the new facilities and government support, the school is set to provide quality education to the children of Ngoshe and surrounding communities for years to come.
