Zulum Approves N12.9bn Scholarship for 54 Borno Indigenes to Study Aeronautics, Engineering
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a N12.9 billion scholarship scheme to sponsor 54 indigenes of the state to study aeronautics and engineering at the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM).
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The comprehensive training programme includes basic pilot training and specialised courses across key engineering disciplines. Ten beneficiaries will study Aerospace Engineering, 11 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 11 Mechatronics Engineering, 12 Software Engineering, and 10 Systems Engineering.
At a brief ceremony held Thursday night at the Government House in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum presented a cheque of N2.5 billion to the institution, covering annual tuition and associated expenses. The full five-year scholarship package is valued at N12.9 billion.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor urged them to remain focused and committed to their academic pursuits. He noted that the selection process was structured to ensure fairness and inclusivity, with two students selected from each of Borno’s 27 Local Government Areas.
“What matters most is not just gaining admission, but how focused you will be in your studies. I advise you to remain dedicated and become good ambassadors of our state,” Zulum stated.
In addition to tuition funding, the governor announced an immediate financial support grant of N500,000 for each student to assist with resumption logistics and other incidental expenses.
Providing insight into the selection process, the State Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, disclosed that the programme attracted more than 3,000 applications statewide. The number was initially reduced to 1,200 candidates, who sat for a written examination, from which the final 54 beneficiaries emerged.
“These programmes reflect Governor Zulum’s commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, and sustained investment in education,” Wakilbe said.
Founder of IBUAM, Isaac Balami, himself an indigene of Borno State, commended the governor for the initiative and assured that the students would receive world-class training. He expressed optimism that some of the beneficiaries could eventually contribute to producing the first made-in-Nigeria aircraft.
Zulum Approves N12.9bn Scholarship for 54 Borno Indigenes to Study Aeronautics, Engineering