Major Education Boost for Borno Youths
In a significant development for education in Northeast Nigeria, prominent aviation expert Comrade Isaac Balami and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum have announced comprehensive scholarship opportunities for young people in the state. The announcement came during a crucial meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, November 28, 2025.
Personal Commitment to Education
The Founder of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) made what he described as a "homecoming" visit to Governor Zulum, accompanied by the university's Vice Chancellor, board members, and partners. During the emotional meeting, Balami revealed his personal connection to educational support in Borno State.
"This visit wasn't just official; it was personal. I returned as a son of the land with a mission shaped by memory and conviction," Balami stated, recalling how a state government scholarship years earlier had transformed his life and launched his successful aviation career.
He emphasized that education changed my life, and I am driven by the responsibility to extend that same lifeline to others, announcing that at least 54 indigent youths from Borno would receive full scholarships to study at his specialized institution.
Immediate Government Response
Governor Zulum responded enthusiastically by immediately launching a state-sponsored scholarship scheme for qualified young people to pursue degree programs in high-demand fields including piloting, aeronautical engineering, and related aviation disciplines at IBUAM.
The selection process will prioritize indigent youths who demonstrate academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue such expensive programs, ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent talented students from accessing quality education.
In a strong move to ensure transparency, Governor Zulum directed the Commissioner for Education and the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board to collaborate directly with IBUAM administrators to begin candidate selection and placement. He issued a firm warning against political interference in the selection process.
"I don't want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor, or commissioners selected. The process should be purely on merit, and I will personally vet the final list," Zulum declared, emphasizing his commitment to fairness and equal opportunity.
Transformative Impact on Youth Development
This dual scholarship initiative represents one of the most significant educational investments in Borno State recently, particularly in specialized fields like aviation that offer substantial career opportunities. The partnership between private educational leadership and state government support creates a powerful model for youth development in Northeast Nigeria.
The scholarships are expected to transform the lives of numerous young people from Borno State, providing them with access to world-class education in cutting-edge fields that align with global economic trends and employment opportunities.
Both leaders expressed confidence that this initiative would not only change individual lives but also contribute to the broader economic and social development of Borno State by creating a skilled workforce capable of competing in national and international job markets.
