In a landmark move to advance education and human capital development in Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the release of N3.4 billion to cover outstanding scholarship payments for 301 Borno students studying abroad. The funds, earmarked for tuition, accommodation, residence permits, visa extensions, and a three-month upkeep allowance, demonstrate the governor’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Borno’s youth have access to world-class educational opportunities. The announcement was made by Dr. Bala Isa, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, during a press conference held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Maiduguri, the state capital.
This significant financial allocation targets students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in prestigious institutions across countries such as the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, Malaysia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. By addressing the financial needs of these students, the Zulum administration aims to remove barriers to their academic success, allowing them to focus on their studies and emerge as global ambassadors of Borno State. The initiative underscores the governor’s vision of education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a critical investment in the state’s future.
Details of the Scholarship Funding
The N3.4 billion approved by Governor Zulum is a comprehensive package designed to cover a wide range of expenses for the 301 beneficiaries. Dr. Isa explained that the funds will settle outstanding academic and welfare costs, ensuring that students can continue their education without the burden of financial uncertainty. Specifically, the allocation covers:
Tuition Fees: The payment of tuition ensures that students remain enrolled in their respective programs, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Accommodation Costs: By covering housing expenses, the state government guarantees that students have safe and comfortable living arrangements, which are essential for academic focus.
Residence Permits and Visa Extensions: These administrative costs are critical for students studying abroad, as they ensure compliance with immigration requirements in their host countries.
Three-Month Upkeep Allowance: This allowance provides students with financial support for daily living expenses, such as food, transportation, and other essentials, for a period of three months.
The beneficiaries of this initiative are described as “brilliant sons and daughters of Borno,” a testament to the rigorous selection process employed by the Borno State Scholarship Board. These students are pursuing diverse fields of study, ranging from sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences, in some of the world’s leading academic institutions. The countries hosting these students—China, India, Malaysia, and Egypt—are known for their robust educational systems and specialized programs, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology, which align with Borno’s development priorities.
Dr. Isa emphasized that the approval of these funds ensures that the students’ academic pursuits will continue uninterrupted. “This financial support allows our students to focus solely on their studies and excel in their chosen fields,” he stated. By alleviating financial pressures, the Zulum administration is creating an enabling environment for academic excellence, positioning these students to become future leaders and innovators in Borno and beyond.
A Call for Academic Excellence and Responsibility
During the press conference, Dr. Isa urged the beneficiary students to reciprocate the state government’s investment by dedicating themselves to their studies and striving for academic excellence. He called on them to remain law-abiding ambassadors of Borno, representing the state with integrity and professionalism in their host countries. “This is not just financial support; it is a call to action for our students to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and excellence,” he said.
This appeal reflects the broader expectations placed on the students, who are seen as representatives of Borno’s aspirations on the global stage. By excelling in their studies and adhering to ethical standards, these students have the opportunity to showcase the potential of Borno’s youth and contribute to the state’s reputation as a hub of intellectual and cultural excellence.
Education as a Cornerstone of Development
Governor Zulum’s decision to prioritize education through this substantial investment is a powerful testament to his belief in the transformative power of knowledge. Dr. Isa described the governor’s action as “a singular act” that reflects a “deep-seated belief in the power of education as the most critical investment in our state’s future.” This perspective is particularly significant in the context of Borno State, which has faced significant challenges due to the Boko Haram insurgency over the past decade and a half.
The insurgency, which began in 2009, has had a devastating impact on education in Borno, with schools destroyed, teachers killed, and thousands of students displaced. The group’s ideology, which translates to “Western education is forbidden,” directly targeted educational institutions, leading to the closure of schools and a significant setback in the state’s human capital development. Against this backdrop, Governor Zulum’s focus on education represents a deliberate effort to rebuild and restore the state’s educational infrastructure, both domestically and internationally.
By investing in students studying abroad, the Zulum administration is not only supporting individual academic aspirations but also building a cadre of highly skilled professionals who can contribute to Borno’s reconstruction and development. Fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology are critical to addressing the state’s challenges, including healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. The decision to fund students in countries like China, India, Malaysia, and Egypt also reflects a strategic choice to leverage the expertise and resources of these nations, which are known for their advancements in these fields.
Contextualizing the Investment: Borno’s Educational Challenges
Borno State’s investment in foreign scholarships must be understood within the broader context of its educational landscape. Despite its challenges, Borno has a rich history of academic excellence, with a legacy of producing scholars, professionals, and leaders who have made significant contributions to Nigeria and beyond. However, the insurgency has exacerbated existing disparities in access to quality education, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized communities.
The state’s education sector faces several systemic issues, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and limited access to teaching materials. These challenges have been compounded by the displacement of millions of people due to the insurgency, many of whom are children and youth who have been denied access to schooling. According to reports from international organizations, over 1.5 million children in Northeast Nigeria, including Borno, are out of school, making initiatives like the foreign scholarship program even more critical.
Governor Zulum’s administration has made education a top priority since he assumed office in 2019. His government has implemented a range of initiatives, including the reconstruction of schools, the recruitment of teachers, and the provision of scholarships for both local and international students. The N3.4 billion allocation for foreign scholarships is one of the most significant investments in this regard, signaling the governor’s commitment to ensuring that Borno’s youth have access to opportunities that will position them as global competitors.
The Broader Implications of the Scholarship Program
The approval of N3.4 billion for foreign scholarships has far-reaching implications for Borno State and Nigeria as a whole. First, it represents a strategic investment in human capital development, which is essential for addressing the state’s long-term development challenges. By equipping students with world-class education, Borno is positioning itself to benefit from the expertise and innovation these students will bring back to the state upon completion of their studies.
Second, the initiative serves as a model for other states in Nigeria, particularly those in the northern region, where educational attainment lags behind other parts of the country. The North-South educational divide has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with northern states often recording lower literacy rates and school enrollment figures. By prioritizing international education, Borno is setting a precedent for how targeted investments can bridge this gap and empower young people to compete in a globalized economy.
Third, the scholarship program enhances Borno’s international presence by fostering academic and cultural exchanges with countries like China, India, Malaysia, and Egypt. These students, as ambassadors of Borno, have the opportunity to build networks, share knowledge, and promote cross-cultural understanding. Their success abroad can also attract further investment and collaboration in Borno’s education and economic sectors.
Challenges and Considerations
While the scholarship program is a commendable initiative, it is not without challenges. Managing a foreign scholarship program of this scale requires robust oversight to ensure that funds are used effectively and that students meet their academic and behavioral obligations. The Borno State Scholarship Board will need to maintain close communication with the students and their host institutions to monitor their progress and address any issues that may arise.
Additionally, the sustainability of the program is a critical consideration. The N3.4 billion allocation is a significant financial commitment, particularly in a state with competing demands for resources, including security, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Ensuring that future administrations continue to prioritize education funding will be essential to maintaining the program’s impact.
Another challenge is the reintegration of these students into Borno’s economy and society upon their return. While the skills and knowledge they acquire abroad are valuable, the state must create opportunities for them to apply their expertise effectively. This could involve partnerships with industries, government agencies, and academic institutions to ensure that returning graduates are absorbed into roles that align with their qualifications.
Governor Zulum’s Leadership and Vision
Governor Zulum’s approval of the N3.4 billion scholarship fund is a reflection of his broader vision for Borno State. Since taking office, he has gained a reputation as a hands-on leader who prioritizes the welfare of his people, even in the face of significant challenges. His focus on education is particularly noteworthy, given the state’s history of conflict and underdevelopment.
Dr. Isa praised the governor’s foresight and generosity, noting that “in the face of numerous competing demands, Governor Zulum has consistently prioritized human capital development, understanding that the greatest resource Borno can cultivate is its people.” This statement encapsulates the governor’s philosophy that investing in education is not just a policy choice but a moral imperative for a state seeking to recover from years of turmoil.
Zulum’s leadership style, characterized by accountability, transparency, and a commitment to results, has earned him widespread acclaim. His administration’s efforts to rebuild schools, provide scholarships, and improve access to education have begun to yield results, as evidenced by the success of Borno students in national and international academic programs. The foreign scholarship initiative is a continuation of this legacy, positioning Borno as a state that values knowledge and innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Education in Borno
As Borno State looks to the future, the N3.4 billion scholarship investment represents a critical step toward building a knowledge-based economy. The students benefiting from this program have the potential to drive transformative change in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and governance, which are essential for the state’s recovery and growth.
To maximize the impact of this initiative, the Borno State government should consider complementary measures, such as mentorship programs, career guidance, and opportunities for returning graduates to contribute to the state’s development. Collaboration with international partners, including the host countries of the scholarship recipients, could also enhance the program’s outcomes by facilitating knowledge transfer and investment in Borno’s education sector.
Moreover, the state must continue to address the root causes of educational disparities, such as poverty, insecurity, and gender inequality. While the foreign scholarship program targets high-achieving students, broader efforts to improve access to quality education for all Borno residents will be essential to creating a truly inclusive and equitable system.
Conclusion
Governor Babagana Zulum’s approval of N3.4 billion for foreign scholarships is a bold and visionary step toward empowering Borno’s youth and securing the state’s future. By covering tuition, accommodation, residence permits, visa extensions, and upkeep allowances for 301 students studying in China, India, Malaysia, and Egypt, the Zulum administration is ensuring that these young people have the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally.
This initiative is more than a financial commitment; it is a statement of hope and resilience in a state that has faced immense challenges. By investing in education, Governor Zulum is laying the foundation for a brighter future, where Borno’s youth can lead the state toward prosperity and stability. The call for students to reciprocate this gesture through academic excellence and good conduct underscores the mutual responsibility that underpins this program.
As Borno continues its journey of recovery and development, initiatives like the foreign scholarship program will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s trajectory. With sustained investment, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence, Borno has the potential to emerge as a beacon of educational achievement and human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.
