Terrorism Has Not Stalled Education In Southern Borno - Lawmaker

Though Borno is the worst hit by the insurgency, a lawmaker from the region, Rep. Ayuba Stephen Wakawa, says education in the southern parts has improved.

"Despite the security challenges, the level of school enrolment keeps increasing in my constituency and this is due to the fact that we don’t have any other preoccupation other than education. That is what our people in Hawul and even Southern Borno in general are known for," said in an interview with Daily Trust.

Wakawa, who represents Hawul constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly said more schools are being built.

"As I am talking to you right now, there are community primary and secondary schools that are being constructed through the efforts of people in communities – all they need is our support, because they don’t always have to wait for government before their children get education."

He however noted that parents often have to defy threats to send their children.

"Despite the challenges and threats, parents are still willing to send their wards to school," Wakawa added.

He however noted that development in the entire Borno region has been negatively impacted by the insurgency.

"There can never be any development without peace. People should not go accusing government of poor implementation of projects when if given the opportunity, they would not have done better."

While calling on Nigerians to pray for the nation, Wakawa said that the Boko Haram insurgency can be stopped by "improving quality of education, addressing poverty and joblessness would work out fine in the long run."