In the heart of Borno State, where the scars of insurgency once ran deep, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking root one that promises to reshape the educational landscape of Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
After years of displacement and disruption, WAEC and NECO examination centres have officially returned to Dille, Mousa, and Lassa, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward recovery and normalcy.
The return of these centres is not merely a logistical move it is a significant milestone symbolizing resilience, political will, and the state’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding what conflict once dismantled.
At the forefront of this effort is the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose administration has become synonymous with tireless service and strategic resettlement initiatives.
As displaced communities begin to rebuild their lives in newly stabilized areas, the governor recognized a pressing need: bringing education closer to the people.
Before the insurgency, WAEC and NECO centres were located within communities, allowing students to take crucial examinations without long, risky journeys. The insurgency, however, had forced a centralization of these services, compounding the hardship for students and parents alike.
“Governor Zulum understood that education is not just about buildings and books; it’s about access and equity,” said a senior official in the Ministry of Education. “Reinstating these centres is part of restoring dignity to these communities.”
Following the governor’s directive, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, swiftly assembled a ministerial committee to oversee the execution of the policy. The committee, as observed by WorldClass247News, was chaired by Abubakar Tijjani, Special Adviser on Education to the governor, with the Director of the Education Research Council serving as secretary.
Their task was straightforward but critical: re-establish the examination centres in Dille, Mousa, and Lassa, ensuring they met the security and logistical standards required by WAEC and NECO.
What followed was a series of strategic stakeholder engagements involving examination bodies, security agencies, school heads, and community leaders. With consensus reached and assurances secured, the green light was given to resume exams at their historical locations.
Local leadership also played an indispensable role. The Chairman of Askira-Uba LGA, Abubakar Mazhinyi, formally pledged the council’s support, committing resources for logistics, security, and accommodations for the examining teams.
“This was not just a government project; it became a community mission,” said a local education officer in Lassa. “Everyone understood what it meant for our children to be able to take their exams right here, at home.”
The collaboration between state authorities and local government ensured a seamless transition an example of multi-level governance working as it should.
As excitement builds over the return of the centres, the Ministry of Education has issued a pointed disclaimer to clarify the origins of the initiative.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Suleman Abba Sheriff, Director of the Education Resource Centre, the ministry affirmed that credit for the development lies solely with the Borno State Government, under governor Zulum, and the committee led by Hon. Abubakar Tijjani.
“No individual or organization, regardless of their profile, should falsely lay claim to initiating this effort,” the statement read. “This was the outcome of strategic planning, clear leadership, and formal institutional cooperation.”
The return of WAEC and NECO centres to Askira-Uba is more than a policy success it is a testament to the power of education as a cornerstone of post-conflict recovery. For the students of Dille, Mousa, and Lassa, it is a chance to dream again, to pursue futures once deferred.
And for Borno State, as noticed by WorldClass247News, it’s another step forward in proving that even in the wake of violence, communities can rise — stronger, smarter, and more united than ever before.
By Charles Akpeji