The Borno State Government on Friday, 27 February 2026, formally bid farewell to 54 indigenes awarded scholarships to study aeronautics and aviation-related courses at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics.
The scholarship initiative, announced last week by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, is part of the administration’s sustained commitment to human capital development across the state.
Representing the governor at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, congratulated the beneficiaries for emerging successful from a highly competitive selection process. Over 1,200 applicants competed for the 54 available slots, with two candidates selected from each local government area.
Wakilbe disclosed that the state government will spend approximately $30,000 per student annually. The package covers tuition, accommodation, feeding, transportation, training, and a monthly stipend of N50,000.
 He emphasized that parents are not required to pay any fees, urging the students to remain focused and disciplined, noting that significant public resources are being invested in their future.
He explained that Isaac Balami University was strategically chosen as Nigeria’s first private university of aeronautics and is owned by an indigene of Borno State. According to him, investing in a world-class local institution helps strengthen indigenous capacity and retain resources within the country.
The commissioner also highlighted other scholarship programmes of the state government, including postgraduate sponsorships in China, India, and Malaysia.
He revealed that more than 140 Borno indigenes currently studying in India have excelled academically and are expected to return as skilled professionals to serve in the state’s universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Umar from Dikwa Local Government Area expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for what he described as a bold investment in the future of Borno State.
He also commended the management of the Borno State Scholarship Board for ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the selection process.
Umar pledged that the scholars would uphold discipline, integrity, and excellence during their training and return to serve the state as competent professionals and future leaders.
The farewell ceremony was attended by special advisers on higher education and education, the senior technical assistant on technical and vocational education, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, the executive secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, directors from the Ministries of Education and Justice, and other key stakeholders.
The initiative underscores the Zulum administration’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in Borno State.
