From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Borno State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, allocated approximately N9.7 billion in 2024 for scholarships to Indigenous students pursuing various studies at tertiary institutions, both locally and internationally.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe disclosed this during a media briefing following the first 2025 Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri.
According to Engr. Wakilbe, 30,616 undergraduate students enrolled in universities, colleges, polytechnics, and other institutions across Nigeria received a total of N4.29 billion in scholarships. These students are studying disciplines such as Law, Science, Medicine, Nursing, and Engineering.
In addition, 335 postgraduate students in local institutions specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) were awarded scholarships totalling N382 million.
For international education, N2.33 billion was allocated to 132 undergraduate students studying Medicine and Engineering in China and Egypt, while 287 postgraduate students pursuing STEM courses in India and Malaysia received N2.69 billion.
Overall, a total of 31,369 students benefited from the scholarship program in 2024. Governor Zulum has also approved the sponsorship of over 30 new students who will commence Aviation courses in 2025, with plans for additional scholarship programs in the coming year.
Engr. Wakilbe highlighted several institutions hosting beneficiaries of the scholarship program. He reported that 997 students are enrolled at the College of Nursing in Maiduguri, 94 students are at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), 32 medical students are attending Al-Ansar University in Maiduguri, and 392 students are studying at the Federal Polytechnic Monguno.
Regarding foreign scholarships, he provided a breakdown of beneficiaries:
- India: 150 students, including 19 studying Medicine, 65 at Sharda University, and 85 at Integral University.
- Malaysia: 29 students.
- China: 10 students enrolled in the MBBS program at Jinzhou Medical University,
- 30 at Anhui Medical University, and 50 studying Engineering at institutions such as Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Liaoning University of Technology, and Hefei University of Technology.
The commissioner emphasized that these scholarships are designed to address workforce needs in the state, especially as it continues to recover from the effects of insurgency.
“This initiative aligns with Governor Zulum’s 10-year transformation agenda and the 25-year development plan, ensuring a brighter future for Borno State and its citizens,” he stated.
Engr. Wakilbe also highlighted the government’s broader efforts in education, including the construction and equipping of mega schools and classroom blocks, the recruitment of qualified teachers across local government areas, and a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum and other stakeholders, including the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, Mallam Bala Isa, for creating opportunities that have provided much-needed relief to students and parents pursuing education.
