In a renewed show of commitment to education, the government of Babagana Umara Zulum has approved a sum of ₦706.5 million to fund scholarships for students from Borno State studying both within Nigeria and abroad. The decision announced in Maiduguri by the Borno State Scholarship Board’s Executive Secretary, Bala Isa, took effect immediately, bringing hope to many young minds seeking education despite economic challenges
The funds are intended to support a wide array of beneficiaries, including orphans of fallen heroes, students displaced by crises, and those enrolled in specific tertiary institutions and nursing programmes. Isa described the allocation as a clear demonstration of Zulum’s dedication to human capital development and the welfare of students across the state.
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Who Will Benefit From the Scholarships
The approved amount will cover several distinct groups of Borno students:
- 300 orphans whose parents served as members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), many of whom made sacrifices in the fight against insurgency.
- 206 students are studying under the state special scholarship scheme at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.
- 34 undergraduates at Al‑Ansar University, Maiduguri.
- Students repatriated from Sudan, whose education was disrupted by regional instability. The funds aim to help them regain academic stability.
- 104 nursing students preparing for professional examinations at the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri, plus upkeep allowances for 523 nursing students over a five‑month period.
- 304 postgraduate students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines in Nigerian universities are set to receive second‑tranche scholarship payments.
This structured breakdown underscores that the funding is not merely a broad grant but a carefully targeted support system designed to reach students from diverse backgrounds and educational paths.
Context: Sustained Investment in Education Under Zulum
This latest scholarship approval is part of a broader pattern of educational support under Zulum’s administration. In 2024 alone, Borno spent over ₦9.6 billion on scholarships for both local and international students.
The previous round implemented in December 2024 provided around ₦730 million to support 26,888 students across various tertiary institutions. That funding helped undergraduates from multiple disciplines, reflecting the government’s broad vision for inclusive educational support.
Moreover, as recently as September 2025, Zulum’s government released ₦3.4 billion to clear outstanding scholarships and welfare obligations for 301 students studying abroad. That approval covered tuition, accommodation, visa-related costs, and upkeep allowances, reinforcing the administration’s long-term commitment to ensuring uninterrupted academic journeys.
Taken together, these efforts portray a steady commitment to rebuilding and strengthening Borno’s educational sector, especially in a post‑conflict recovery environment. The scholarship programmes are often framed as part of a broader reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement agenda for the state.
What This Means for Students and the State
For many Borno students, especially those from displaced families, former CJTF households, or those pursuing demanding fields like medicine and nursing, this injection of resources could be pivotal. It promises to remove financial barriers that have long hindered access to quality education.
The inclusion of students repatriated from Sudan reflects responsiveness to the upheavals experienced by youths forced to interrupt their studies. Resuming their education under these scholarships could bring a sense of normalcy and hope.
For the state, investing in education signals confidence in its youth as the bedrock for rebuilding. With a generation of educated, skilled graduates, Borno stands better placed to restore human capital lost during years of unrest, boost workforce capacity, and foster long‑term development.
The renewed ₦706.5 million scholarship allocation by Governor Zulum’s administration offers more than financial relief; it represents faith in the future of Borno’s youth and a tangible commitment to inclusive education and recovery.
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