Borno State government on Wednesday distributed free bicycles to students in rural areas to improve access to schools.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum presented 300 bicycles to the students of newly established Government Technical Secondary School, Wuyo, Kwaya/Kusar Local Government Area shortly after commissioning it. He also presented free textbooks to the students and directed the Ministry of Education to set up laboratories and workshops in the school.
The school was part of the 23 projects being commissioned in southern Borno Senatorial Zone.
The governor said the bicycles were procured by the previous administration of Governor Kashim Shettima to improve access to rural schools.
He said technical education prepares learners towards self-reliance.
A female student from Gaidam village who was among the beneficiaries said the bicycles will reduce lateness and improve academic performance.
She said, “I know how to ride a bike; it will reduce lateness and truancy among students in distant areas.”
The governor had earlier commissioned projects at the General Hospital, Biriyel, the house of the district head of Biriyel, and the Tahafizul Quran School of JIBWIS, Wuyo built by the state.