Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a major expansion of the state’s scholarship programme, revealing that his administration has committed more than ₦15.29 billion to scholarship and related education support since 2023, including substantial funding for students studying in foreign universities.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a homecoming ceremony in Maiduguri for 294 Borno State indigenes who completed various programmes under the state’s foreign scholarship schemes in China, India, Egypt and Malaysia.
The returning graduates, trained in medicine, engineering, postgraduate studies and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related disciplines, were congratulated by the governor for completing their studies and returning home to contribute to the development of the state.
₦12.64bn Already Invested in Scholarship Programme
Governor Zulum disclosed that the government had invested ₦12,644,034,368.96 in scholarships since 2023.
According to the breakdown provided by the governor, ₦8,611,846,007.60 was spent on foreign scholarships, while ₦3,835,880,614.32 went to local scholarship beneficiaries. Another ₦196,307,747.04 was committed to administrative support for the scholarship scheme.
The governor described the expenditure as one of the administration’s most important investments in human capital, stressing that education remains a critical tool for reducing poverty, strengthening social stability and preparing young people to assume leadership responsibilities.
“It is in pursuit of this vision that, since 2023, this administration has invested a total of N12,644,034,368.96 in scholarships for the sons and daughters of Borno State,” Zulum said.
He added that the investment reflected his administration’s broader commitment to building an equitable society where citizens have access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
Fresh ₦2.65bn Approval for 158 Overseas Students
As part of efforts to sustain the programme, Governor Zulum announced the approval of ₦2.65 billion to settle the 2026 foreign scholarship obligations of 158 Borno students studying in China, Malaysia, India and Egypt.
The funding is expected to cover outstanding scholarship commitments and enable the affected students to continue their academic programmes without disruption.
The governor said the proposed funding would also cover 54 beneficiaries under the state’s aviation scholarship programme, which is currently undergoing review.
The latest approval demonstrates the government’s intention to ensure that financial difficulties do not interrupt the education of students already sponsored under the foreign scholarship programme.
Local Scholarships to Receive 100 Percent Increase
In another significant policy decision, Governor Zulum announced a 100 percent upward review of local scholarships for Borno State indigenes.
He directed the Commissioner for Education and the Borno State Scholarship Board to commence immediate implementation of the new scholarship structure.
The increase is expected to provide additional financial support to students studying in Nigerian institutions at a time when rising tuition fees, accommodation costs, transportation expenses and general living costs are placing increased pressure on families.
The policy also reinforces the governor’s stated commitment to ensuring that students who remain within Nigeria receive meaningful support alongside those studying abroad.
220 University of Maiduguri Academics to Benefit
Governor Zulum also directed the Borno State Scholarship Board to open applications for 220 academic staff of the University of Maiduguri for local and foreign postgraduate scholarships.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the academic capacity of the state’s tertiary institutions by creating opportunities for lecturers and academic staff to pursue advanced qualifications.
The governor further disclosed that requests for sponsorship from professionals in the Humanities and Arts were receiving government attention.
He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sponsoring indigenous law graduates through Nigerian law schools.
Foreign Scholarship Covers Medicine, Engineering and STEM
Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Investment, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the foreign scholarship programme had supported hundreds of Borno students studying medicine, engineering and other STEM-related courses across Asia and North Africa.
According to him, the foreign scholarship investment has exceeded ₦8 billion since 2023, covering not only tuition but also accommodation, feeding, monthly stipends, airfares, travel documentation and other academic-related expenses.
He explained that the comprehensive nature of the sponsorship was designed to allow beneficiaries to concentrate on their studies without being overwhelmed by financial challenges.
171 Postgraduate Scholars Trained in India and Malaysia
Wakilbe disclosed that 171 postgraduate scholars had been trained in two universities in India and five universities in Malaysia, with the state spending approximately ₦3.233 billion on their education.
The beneficiaries are expected to contribute to the development of Borno’s tertiary education system by taking up academic and professional responsibilities in local institutions.
The commissioner revealed that 16 of the postgraduate beneficiaries graduated with distinctions and other academic honours, highlighting the academic performance recorded under the scholarship programme.
Medical and Engineering Students Prepared for Borno’s Future
The commissioner also presented details of 104 undergraduate beneficiaries, comprising 53 medical students and 51 engineering students currently studying in six institutions in China.
These students are being trained in fields considered essential to Borno’s future development, particularly healthcare, infrastructure and technical services.
The medical graduates are expected to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce, while engineering graduates could contribute to the construction, maintenance and development of public infrastructure.
Their expected contribution becomes particularly important as Borno continues to invest in modern healthcare facilities and other development projects, including the newly established Kashim Ibrahim Teaching Hospital.
Government Says Scholarship Payments Have Been Timely
According to Wakilbe, beneficiaries have received their tuition fees and monthly stipends promptly and in advance since the programme began in 2023.
He said students receive monthly stipends ranging from $150 to $200, in addition to the other components of the sponsorship package.
The regular payment structure is intended to provide students with financial stability while studying outside Nigeria.
Scholarship Programme Began With 301 Beneficiaries
The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr. Bala Isa, explained that the foreign scholarship programme initially had 301 beneficiaries.
He said one beneficiary unfortunately died, while two withdrew because of ill health. One student transferred to another programme, while three others withdrew from the scholarship scheme.
These developments reduced the number of active beneficiaries to 294 students, who eventually completed their programmes and returned to Borno.
Zulum Challenges Graduates to Give Back to Borno
Addressing the returning graduates, Governor Zulum reminded them that the scholarships should not be viewed merely as personal benefits but as public investments made by the people of Borno State.
He urged the graduates to repay the investment through professional excellence, public service, innovation and meaningful contributions to their communities.
According to the governor, the ultimate objective of the scholarship programme is to create a pool of highly trained professionals capable of contributing to Borno’s long-term reconstruction, economic recovery and development.
He said his administration would continue to prioritise human capital development and create opportunities that reward academic excellence.
Education as a Long-Term Investment in Borno’s Future
The expanded scholarship programme represents a broader strategy to address Borno’s human capital needs by investing in young people across different professional fields.
Rather than limiting educational support to tuition fees, the programme incorporates several components, including accommodation, feeding, stipends, transportation and travel-related expenses.
The approach is particularly significant for students studying abroad, where the cost of education and living can be substantially higher than in Nigeria.
By supporting students in medicine, engineering, technology and postgraduate education, the state is also seeking to develop the professional workforce required to support its healthcare system, educational institutions, infrastructure and wider economy.
Building a New Generation of Professionals
The return of the 294 beneficiaries marks an important stage in Borno’s continuing human capital development efforts.
The graduates are expected to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired abroad to strengthen institutions and contribute to the reconstruction and development of their home state.
With the approval of another ₦2.65 billion for current overseas students, a 100 percent increase in local scholarships and a new postgraduate scholarship opportunity for 220 University of Maiduguri academic staff, the state government has signalled that education remains a central pillar of its development agenda.
For Borno, the scholarship initiative is therefore more than a financial assistance programme. It is an investment in skills, professional capacity, institutional development and the future workforce of the state.
Governor Zulum’s administration has continued to frame and human capital development as essential to building a more resilient Borno—one where young people are equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to participate meaningfully in the state’s recovery and long-term prosperity.