MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima urged Fulani acquaintances to enroll their children in Borno State schools during a visit, Premium Times reported, while his office linked education investment to recovery from insurgency.
The men said they were still looking for a suitable school, the newspaper reported. Shettima asked why they had not enrolled their children, saying, “The governor has built schools, but you are not enrolling your children. What is the problem?”
Shettima pointed them toward a nearby school, and Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum offered to help address any obstacles, Premium Times reported. The newspaper also said Shettima gave the group cash to share; it did not state the amount.
An Oct. 23 statement from the Office of the Vice President said the Maiduguri visit included the commissioning of Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital and two schools. In remarks published by the office, Shettima said classrooms could help children in communities affected by insurgency see their futures as something they can plan. He also linked education with young people's ability to take part in economic life.
The statement said the hospital was intended to bring specialized care closer to communities and support medical training and research. EconoTimes previously covered the hospital project in Borno.
