PHOTOS: 154 pupils ‘orphaned by insurgency’ graduate from Borno learning centre

One hundred and fifty-four pupils, who reportedly became orphans as a result of insurgency in the north-east, have graduated from the Borno leaning centre.

The students, who graduated on Wednesday, were trained in different areas including coding, robotics and artificial intelligence.

At the graduation event, the 154 pupils demonstrated the knowledge acquired in the different areas in which they had received training.

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari had inaugurated a boarding primary school for children orphaned by insurgency.

The school, which was named after the president, is located at the Baga road by-pass in Maiduguri.

The centre is managed by the North East Children’s Trust — a body recently set up by the federal government to cater for vulnerable children.

The learning centre, which comprises nursery, primary, and secondary school sections, currently has 525 children, who are mostly orphans from Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

Mariam Masha, executive secretary and chief executive officer (CEO) of the North East Children’s Trust, said the children at the centre include 337 boys and 188 girls.

While commending the teachers and caregivers, Masha also applauded the students for learning quickly within a short time, adding that the learning centre is not just a school, but a place to nurture and empower the children.

“The centre is a place to nurture, empower and renew our children and I believe right here before us, is proof that the North East Children’s Trust can deliver on that mandate,” she said.

“The teachers and caregivers are not just knowledge transfer instructors, but are facilitators of knowledge.

“They have supported your learning and growth in very innovative ways which have unbundled the uniqueness in every one of you.”

Hauwa Biu, vice-chairperson of the centre, advised the pupils not to forget the lessons learnt at the centre.

“As you resume secondary school, make sure you take care of each other. Always remember that you are part of a large family and network of people who invested in your growth and success and are always willing and ready to support you,” she said.

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