Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has approved a N12.9 billion scholarship for 54 indigent youths to study aeronautics and engineering at the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) in Ikeja, Lagos.

Zulum presented a N2.5 billion upfront payment to the institution, representing the first-year tuition and related costs of the aeronautics and engineering training programmes.

He emphasised that the 54 beneficiaries were carefully selected from the 27 local government areas to ensure an equitable representation in the state.

While addressing the beneficiaries, the governor said: “Your focus and discipline will determine how well you utilise this opportunity. I expect you to represent Borno with excellence,” adding that the scholarship covers key fields of study comprising Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, alongside basic pilot training for selected students.

Zulum also approved N5m for each student to support their resumption and initial logistics.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), Lawan Wakilbe, disclosed that of the over 3,000 applicants who indicated interest in the training programme, only 1,200 were shortlisted for examination, after which the final 54 candidates were selected based on qualifications and spread.

On the significance of training at IBUAM, Wakilbe said: “These courses reflect our strategic push for human capital development and youths’ empowerment. The programme aligns with the state’s long-term plans to rebuild skilled manpower in the transport sector of the economy.

The university Founder, Isaac Balami, commended Zulum’s scholarship initiative, describing it as “the most forward-looking investment in the aviation sector by any state government.

He assured the students that they would be exposed to top-rated training and emerging technologies in the aviation industry.

Balami added that the programme would equip Borno youths to contribute to Nigeria’s aviation and engineering advancements.

“With this support, some of them may one day take part in the manufacturing of the first indigenous aircraft in the country,” he said.