By Atiku Galadima, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a N12.9 billion scholarship scheme to train 54 young indigenes in aeronautics and specialised engineering programmes at the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM).
The governor announced the initiative during a brief ceremony at the Government House, Maiduguri, where he presented a N2.5 billion upfront payment to the institution, representing the first-year tuition and related costs.
Zulum said the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 27 local government areas to ensure equal representation.
He urged the students to demonstrate commitment throughout the five-year programme. “Your focus and discipline will determine how well you utilise this opportunity. I expect you to represent Borno with excellence,” he said.
The scholarship covers key fields including Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, alongside basic pilot training for selected students.
The governor also approved N500,000 per student to support their resumption and initial logistics.
Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, explained that more than 3,000 applicants indicated interest in the programme, but only 1,200 were shortlisted for examinations before the final 54 were selected based on merit and local government spread.
“These courses reflect the governor’s strategic push for human capital development and youth empowerment,” Wakilbe said, noting that the programme aligns with the state’s long-term plan to rebuild skilled manpower.
Founder of IBUAM, Isaac Balami, praised the initiative, describing it as “one of the most forward-looking investments in aviation education by any state government.”
He assured that the students would be exposed to top-standard training and emerging technologies.
Balami added that the programme could place Borno youths in a position to contribute to Nigeria’s aviation and engineering advancements. “With this support, some of them may one day take part in producing the first indigenous aircraft,” he said.
