By Gbenga Akingbule.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum on Friday presented the sum of N4.852 billion as a scholarship award to 524 postgraduate students from the state, including orphans and less privileged persons.
Gatekeepers News reports that the scholarship award is meant for foreign and local postgraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM)
This was disclosed by Governor Zulum during the presentation of the cheque to the beneficiaries at a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Maiduguri, the state capital.
Governor Zulum also assures the beneficiaries of his administration’s readiness to award another scholarship should the postgraduate students emerge with distinctions in their field of study.
“For those undergoing their master’s degree programs, if you perform excellently and come out with distinctions, they will be allowed to have another scholarship to pursue their PhD. So, if all of you come out with distinctions, I will approve another scholarship for you,” Prof Zulum said.
The Governor stated that the gesture is in line with our 25-year development plan of the state noting that “we are dedicated to fostering an equitable society and ensuring access to quality education and service delivery. 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 potential.
“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 and are facing funding challenges.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to extending opportunities to all indigenes of the state.
The government 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 PhD candidates in Nigerian universities.
₦1,105,500,000 for the tuition fees of 147 Master’s degree candidates studying abroad.
₦286,350,000 for the tuition fees of 42 PhD candidates studying abroad.” Governor Zulum said.
The Governor revealed that beneficiaries studying in Nigeria will have their monies transferred to their accounts while the monies of those studying abroad will be paid directly to the accounts of their various institutions.
Addulmumini Ibrahim, one of the beneficiaries commended the state governor for his untiring efforts at revamping the education sector and stated that he and other beneficiaries will make good use of the opportunity given to them.
