Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the release of N1.649 billion to fund scholarships, tuition fees, student welfare and international education support for beneficiaries under the state’s various education programmes, reinforcing the government’s commitment to human capital development through the Borno scholarship initiative.
Key Highlights:
- Governor Zulum approves N1.649 billion for Borno scholarship programmes.
- Funds will cover 2024/2025 local scholarships for eligible students nationwide.
- 272 medical students at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, to receive tuition and accommodation support.
- 34 MBBS students at Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri, to benefit from tuition payments.
- School fees approved for 60 students at the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology, Zaria.
- Government to fund 300 orphans of Counter-Insurgency Volunteers.
- Return airfare approved for 276 international STEM scholars studying in China, India and Malaysia.
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarships Board, Dr. Bala Isa, disclosed the approval during a press briefing in Maiduguri, describing the intervention as a strategic investment in the state’s future.
According to him, the funds will finance the 2024/2025 local scholarship awards for qualified students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, while also covering tuition and accommodation fees for 272 Borno medical students at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, and tuition fees for 34 MBBS students at Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri.
The approval further provides for the payment of school fees for 60 students studying at the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology, Zaria, six months’ allowances for Nursing College students under the state scholarship programme, and tuition support for 300 orphans of Counter-Insurgency Volunteers.
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In addition, Governor Zulum approved return airfare for 133 postgraduate STEM graduates, 39 PhD STEM scholars studying in India and Malaysia, and 104 undergraduate scholars in China.
Isa said the approval reflects Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to education despite prevailing economic and security challenges confronting the state.
“This approval is more than a financial intervention. It is another bold declaration that the future of Borno State lies in the education of its young people,” he said.
He noted that thousands of students have benefited from the Borno scholarship scheme over the years, particularly those studying critical disciplines such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, aviation, artificial intelligence, information technology and health sciences.
According to the Executive Secretary, the Scholarships Board has commenced administrative processes to ensure the prompt disbursement of the approved funds directly to institutions, beneficiaries and service providers in line with government procedures.
He commended Governor Zulum for sustaining investments in education and also appreciated the support of the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, members of the State Executive Council, development partners, heads of beneficiary institutions and staff of the Scholarships Board.
Isa urged beneficiaries to remain focused on their academic pursuits and demonstrate discipline, patriotism and excellence.
“Your government believes in you. Your government is investing in you. Your government expects you to justify this confidence through academic excellence, discipline, patriotism and selfless service to humanity,” he said.
He added that the knowledge and skills acquired by beneficiaries would play a critical role in rebuilding communities, strengthening institutions and accelerating the socio-economic development of Borno State.
