By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’ of Borno State has allocated a total of ₦4,582,955,000 for scholarships, broken down as follows: ₦241,000,000 for the tuition fees of 241 Master’s degree candidates in Nigerian universities, ₦141,000,000 for the tuition fees of 94 Ph.D. candidates in Nigerian universities and ₦1,105,500,000 for the tuition fees of 147 Master’s degree candidates studying abroad.
Similarly, ₦286,350,000 is awarded for the tuition fees of 42 Ph.D. candidates studying abroad.
The governor who stated this on Friday at the flagging office ceremony of the release of the scholarships to the beneficiaries held at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Government House Maiduguri, said, “it is in line with our 25-year development plan, we are dedicated to fostering an equitable society and ensuring access to quality education and service delivery.
“Pillar 1 of our plan emphasizes these essential goals. Our vision is a society where every individual, regardless of background or circumstances, has equal opportunities to thrive through education, empowering everyone to achieve their full potentials.
“To advance this objective, I have directed the Borno State Scholarship Board to screen applications for postgraduate scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among Borno State indigenes.
“Many applicants come from local government areas, highlighting the success of our decentralized approach to identifying and nurturing talent. Additionally, some successful candidates have secured admissions directly, while others are currently studying in institutions within Nigeria and abroad facing funding challenges.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to extending opportunities to all indigenes of the state,” Zulum said.
He emphasized that it is imperative to prioritize opportunities for great responsibilities, stressing that, Scholarship recipients must recognize this rare opportunity and approach their academic pursuits with diligence and dedication.
“We expect each of you to demonstrate a strong commitment to your studies and, subsequently, to any professional roles you undertake.
“This dedication is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of your education contribute directly to the development and progress of our State. We trust that you will honor this commitment and use your knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on our community.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ongoing revitalization and enhancement of Human Capital Development. Our vision is to create an environment that fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
“Please accept my best wishes throughout the duration of your programme.
“May your dedication to the advancement of our dear state be unwavering. Together, let us work towards a brighter future for the generations to come, ensuring that our collective efforts today pave the way for a more prosperous, educated, and empowered Borno State,” Zulum said.
Earlier in his address, the Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilb said, “We are here to celebrate the disbursement of four billion, five hundred and eighty-two million, nine hundred and fifty-five thousand Naira (₦4,582,955,000) in scholarships to five hundred and twenty-four (524) Borno State indigenes for postgraduate studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), both locally and abroad.
“From May 2019 to date, a total of Eight Billion Eight Hundred and Sixty-Four Million Four Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand Ten Naira Seventy Kobo (₦8,864,495,010.70) has been spent on scholarships.
” Notably, since May 29th, 2023, five billion two hundred and thirty-seven million nine hundred and thirty-eight thousand three hundred and sixty-six Naira (₦5,237,938,366) has been allocated for scholarships, exclusive of the four billion five hundred and eighty-two million nine hundred and fifty-five thousand Naira (₦4,582,955,000) we are disbursing today.”
The commissioner added that others include, payment of eight hundred and sixty-one million Naira (₦861,000,000) to support all undergraduate Borno State indigenes studying in higher institutions across Nigeria.
“Payment of two hundred and seventy-six million three hundred and eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred and seventy-five Naira (₦276,388,875) in scholarships for 19 Borno State medical students studying Medicine at Suez University, Arab Republic of Egypt.
“A total of fifty-five million nine hundred and eighty-six thousand Naira (₦55,986,000) was allocated to support one hundred and fifty-three (153) Borno State medical students at the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, Bauchi State, a group that also included those who had been repatriated from Sudan.
” Notably, the Borno State Government spent one hundred and twenty-nine million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦129,250,000) in a commendable rescue mission, facilitating the safe return of one hundred and thirty-nine (139) Borno State students from Sudan.
“Annual payment of sixty million Naira (₦60,000,000) in scholarships for three hundred (300) orphans of Counter Terrorism Volunteers.
“Payment of four hundred and thirty-five million five hundred and twenty-six thousand eight hundred and twenty-four Naira (₦435,526,824) in scholarships to facilitate the education of thirty-eight (38) Borno State indigenes studying abroad.
“Payment of one billion five hundred and five million one hundred and eighty-nine thousand Naira (₦1,505,189,000) to nine hundred and ninety-seven (997) students studying Nursing Science at the College of Nursing Maiduguri.
“Payment of one billion (₦1,000,000,000) for the training of two thousand four hundred and forty-five (2,445) trainable teachers from 27 Local Education Authorities across Borno State.
“His Excellency has approved an additional amount of five hundred million (₦500,000,000) to commence Phase III of the teacher training programme at the Institute of Education in Borno State University (BOSU) here in Maiduguri,” Wakilbe said.
He further said that, “this administration’s commitment to education and human capital development is unwavering. We recognize that nurturing a well-educated and skilled population is fundamental to the progress and prosperity of our state.”
