Borno State Sponsors 180 Students for Postgraduate Studies in Malaysia and India

In a significant move to boost educational development, the Borno State Government has sponsored 180 students for postgraduate studies in Malaysia and India. The initiative, which covers both master’s and PhD programs, aims to strengthen the state’s human capital, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Of the beneficiaries, 12 PhD and 53 master’s degree students will attend Sharda University in India, while another 12 PhD and 73 master’s candidates will study at Integral University, India. Additionally, 29 students will pursue advanced degrees in various universities across Malaysia.

At a ceremonial send-forth event held at the Government House in Maiduguri, Governor Babagana Zulum urged the students to remain dedicated to their studies, emphasizing the importance of their future contributions to the state. He announced that each student would receive a monthly upkeep allowance of USD 150 in addition to fully paid tuition fees.

Governor Zulum also highlighted the government's plan to offer automatic employment to returning students, particularly in Borno's tertiary institutions. He encouraged those pursuing master’s degrees to continue to the PhD level, noting that their education is a key factor in the state's development.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, disclosed that the state had disbursed ₦1.99 billion to cover tuition fees for the foreign scholarships and an additional ₦338.5 million for local scholarships, benefiting 303 students.