Zulum sends 5,361 kids orphaned by Boko Haram to school

 

MONGONO, Nigeria – Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday in Monguno, supervised the enrollment of school aged children whose parents were killed by Boko Haram.

A total number of 5,361 orphans were registered during the two-day exercise. The children were between the ages of seven and thirteen, and each is to be given free uniforms, writing materials and free meals at schools.

The orphans were registered in the presence of their guardians who gave their biographic details, including places of displacement and indigenous LGAs. The 5,361 orphans are part of over are 50,000 children either orphaned by Boko Haram or with parents and relations missing as a result of attacks of several communities by Boko Haram since 2009.

Although the enrollment exercise was for orphans, other parents trooped out with their children demanding enrollment, for which Zulum promised to approve. Zulum appealed to guardians of all 5,361 orphans to ensure their wards regularly attend school.

The Governor also announced that he will engage Islamiyya teachers to teach guardians and other adults who are willing to learn. Zulum was supported by Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, Commissioners, and other top Government officials during the enrollment exercises.