Impact of Insurgency on Islamic Education Infrastructure and Enrolment in Borno State

This study examines the impact of Boko Haram insurgency on Islamic education infrastructure and student enrolment in Borno State, North East Nigeria. The decade-long conflict in the Lake Chad Basin has devastated schools, displaced communities, and profoundly disrupted formal and informal educational systems. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining secondary data analysis of state education statistics (2015 to 2024) with structured interviews conducted with 40 Islamic school administrators, 20 displaced community leaders, and 10 state education officials across Maiduguri, Bama, and Gwoza. Data are analysed using trend analysis, regression modelling, and thematic analysis. Findings reveal a statistically significant decline in both infrastructure quality and enrolment in Islamic schools in conflict-affected local government areas compared to pre-conflict baselines and more secure areas within the state. Temporary learning spaces established by humanitarian organisations partially compensate for structural losses but lack curriculum continuity and qualified teachers. Internally displaced Muslim families prioritise Islamic Studies enrolment for psychological and community identity reasons even under displacement conditions. The study recommends emergency Islamic education recovery plans that integrate infrastructure rehabilitation, teacher redeployment, and psychosocial support, and calls for stronger coordination between the Borno State Education Emergency Response Team and Islamic education institutions. Keywords: insurgency, Islamic education, Borno State, school enrolment, Boko Haram.