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Tag: Borno

  • DHQ Blames Sahelian Fighters, Local Collaborators for Borno Attacks

    DHQ Blames Sahelian Fighters, Local Collaborators for Borno Attacks

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has pledged to intensify its fight against terrorism and its collaborators following a resurgence of attacks in Borno State attributed to foreign agents and local informants aiding the insurgents.

    Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, DHQ spokesperson, revealed that the recent wave of attacks in the North-East is linked to an influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian region, who are bolstering the ranks of terrorists operating in the area.

    “I will say that the resurgence of these attacks by these terrorists is attributable to an influx of foreign fighters that come in as reinforcement for these terrorists. These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region, and this situation is made worse by local collaborators that form a support base for these terrorists,” General Buba stated.

    He further noted that the collaborators act as informants, providing critical intelligence on troop movements to the terrorists. Despite the challenges, Buba reassured Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.

    “Troops are profoundly cautious of their role and responsibilities in fighting insurgency across the nation,” he added.

    Recent Attacks in Borno State

    Buba acknowledged recent attacks in the Damboa, Chibok, and Gwoza areas of Borno State. He disclosed that an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Baga, near Lake Chad, resulted in casualties, with several military personnel missing.

    Reports indicate that soldiers were ambushed while attempting to recover the bodies of 40 civilians who had been killed by the insurgents. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in additional losses of military personnel.

  • Borno govt allocates N1.6 billion for rehabilitation of 33 hit by floods

    Borno govt allocates N1.6 billion for rehabilitation of 33 hit by floods

    The Borno State Government has approved N1.6 billion for the rehabilitation of 33 educational institutions affected by the recent floods in the state.

    The funding is aimed at restoring critical educational infrastructure and providing safe, conducive learning environments for students in the flood-impacted areas.

    Alhaji Lawan Abba-Wakilbe, the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, announced on Saturday, noting that the affected schools are spread across Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Chibok, and Damboa local government areas, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

    “Borno Government says it has approved N1.6 billion for the rehabilitation of 33 educational institutions affected by the recent floods in the state. 

    “The affected schools cut across Maiduguri, Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Chibok, and Damboa local government areas of the state. 

    “Alhaji Lawan Abba-Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation announced this on Saturday in Maiduguri,” the NAN report read in part.  

    Abba-Wakilbe noted that the rehabilitation effort is part of a broader plan to address the damages caused by the floods, which have disrupted education for many students in the state.

    The Commissioner emphasized the government’s strong commitment to restoring learning facilities and ensuring uninterrupted education.

    He noted that the N1.6 billion will be allocated directly to the affected schools through the School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), which will oversee the implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) for each institution.

    Abba-Wakilbe stressed that the committees have earned a reputation for effectively managing previous projects, and they will ensure that the rehabilitation funds are used efficiently. The amount allocated to each school will be determined based on the level of damage sustained.

    More Insights

    The Commissioner also announced that the rehabilitation initiative will extend beyond the schools to include the state’s Library Board and the Scholarship Board, further strengthening the restoration of educational resources across Borno.

    • Abba-Wakilbe stressed that the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has set up a monitoring team to ensure the proper use of the funds.
    • To enhance transparency, he revealed that plans are also underway to engage an auditor and financial consultant to oversee the process.
    • The Commissioner urged school management without operational accounts to open them promptly to facilitate the fund distribution.

    The report also noted that the announcement has received widespread support from educators and parents, with many expressing optimism that the rehabilitation efforts will help students return to a safer, more stable learning environment.

     

  • NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided valuable insights into the student loan registration process across the country.

    Below, we explore the top five states with the highest student loan registrations, offering a detailed overview of the factors contributing to their impressive numbers.

    1. Kano State

    • Number of Registered Students: 20,814
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 17,122
    • Percentage Applied: 82.3%

    Kano State tops the list with the highest number of student loan registrations. With over 20,000 students registered, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to higher education, possibly driven by its large population and robust educational infrastructure. The high percentage of students who followed through with applications (82.3%) indicates effective awareness campaigns and support systems in place to assist students in accessing financial aid.

    2. Borno State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,353
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 13,798
    • Percentage Applied: 84.4%

    Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, Borno State ranks second, with a commendable registration figure. The state’s educational authorities and institutions have clearly worked hard to ensure that students are aware of and utilize the opportunities provided by NELFUND. The fact that 84.4% of registered students proceeded to apply for loans is a testament to the state’s resilience and focus on education as a tool for empowerment.

    3. Benue State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,127
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 11,754
    • Percentage Applied: 72.9%

    Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has also made significant strides in student loan registrations. The state’s education system appears well-organized, as reflected in the high registration numbers. However, the application follow-through rate is slightly lower at 72.9%, indicating a potential area for improvement in helping students complete the loan application process.

    4. Oyo State

    • Number of Registered Students: 14,086
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 8,990
    • Percentage Applied: 63.8%

    Oyo State, with its rich history in education, particularly higher education, secures the fourth position. The state’s capital, Ibadan, is home to Nigeria’s first university, and this legacy of academic excellence continues to influence student participation in programs like NELFUND. However, Oyo State has the lowest application percentage among the top five, at 63.8%, suggesting a need for more targeted efforts to ensure that registered students complete their applications.

    5. Kaduna State

    • Number of Registered Students: 13,873
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 10,380
    • Percentage Applied: 74.8%

    Kaduna State rounds out the top five, with nearly 14,000 students registering for the NELFUND student loan program. The state’s commitment to education is evident in its strong application rate of 74.8%. Kaduna has long been a hub for educational development in Northern Nigeria, and its performance in the NELFUND registration process reflects this tradition.