19/08/2026
Press Statement
NUBOSS PRESENTS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO HIS EXCELLENCY PROFESSOR BABAGANA UMARA ZULUM IN RECOGNITION OF HIS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION AND STUDENTS
…As Governor Announces 100% Upward Review of Local Scholarships and ₦2.65 Billion Fresh Support for Foreign Scholars
Maiduguri, Borno State — 19th August 2026
The National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS), Student National Headquarters, has presented an Award of Excellence to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, MNI, CON, Executive Governor of Borno State, in recognition of his exceptional commitment to education, student welfare, scholarship development, and human capital development in Borno State.
The award was presented by the President of the National Union of Borno State Students, Comrade Umar Alhaji Gana, on behalf of Borno State students across Nigeria and beyond, as a demonstration of profound appreciation for an administration that has continued to place education and the development of young people at the centre of its development agenda.
The presentation comes against the backdrop of the Governor’s disclosure that his administration has invested a total of ₦15.29 billion in scholarship programmes for Borno State indigenes since 2023, including more than ₦8.61 billion in foreign scholarships, while also announcing additional funding for students currently studying abroad.
“WE ARE NOT DOING YOU A PRIVILEGE; IT’S OUR RIGHT TO PAY YOU.”
In his response to the NUBOSS delegation, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum made a powerful statement that captures the philosophy behind his administration’s approach to student welfare:
“We are not doing you a privilege; it’s our right to pay you.”
The National Union considers this statement a profound expression of student-centred leadership.
It demonstrates that His Excellency does not regard investment in students as charity, favour, or political patronage, but as a responsibility of government and an investment in the future of Borno State.
For the students of Borno State, these words carry enormous significance. They reaffirm the principle that every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue quality education and develop the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to society.
₦15.29 BILLION INVESTMENT IN SCHOLARSHIPS
The National Union commends the Borno State Government for the scale of its investment in scholarship programmes.
According to figures disclosed by His Excellency, the administration has invested ₦12.644 billion in scholarships and related administrative support since 2023, comprising:
* ₦8.611 billion for foreign scholarships;
* ₦3.835 billion for local scholarships; and
* ₦196.3 million for administrative support.
With the newly approved ₦2.65 billion to settle the 2026 foreign-scholarship obligations of students studying in China, Malaysia, India and Egypt, the overall investment reaches approximately ₦15.29 billion.
This is not merely an expenditure on scholarships. It is a deliberate investment in the intellectual, professional and economic future of Borno State.
100% UPWARD REVIEW OF LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
In another major demonstration of his commitment to students, His Excellency has approved a 100% upward review of the local scholarship scheme for indigenes of Borno State and directed the Commissioner for Education and the Borno State Scholarship Board to ensure immediate implementation.
NUBOSS considers this decision a landmark intervention that will provide greater support to students pursuing their education within Nigeria.
At a time when the cost of education continues to place significant pressure on students and families, the upward review demonstrates the administration’s willingness to respond to the realities confronting students.
We commend His Excellency for recognizing that investing in education today is investing in the stability, prosperity and development of Borno tomorrow.
A GOVERNOR WHO HAS EARNED THE TITLE “STUDENT-FRIENDLY”
The National Union of Borno State Students proudly recognizes Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, MNI, CON, as a Student-Friendly Governor, based not merely on words but on measurable interventions and sustained support for students.
The scholarship investments, the expansion of local scholarship support, the continued sponsorship of students abroad, and the Governor’s commitment to merit-based education collectively demonstrate a leadership approach that places young people at the heart of development.
His Excellency’s administration has supported students studying medicine, engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related disciplines abroad, with the beneficiaries expected to contribute their expertise to the development of Borno State upon completion of their studies.
APPRECIATION TO THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION
The National Union of Borno State Students also wishes to place on record its profound appreciation and commendation to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, for his dedication and contribution to the implementation of the state’s educational and scholarship programmes.
NUBOSS recognizes the Honourable Commissioner’s role in supporting the administration’s education agenda and in ensuring that scholarship interventions reach students across different programmes and institutions.
According to the information presented by the Commissioner, the foreign scholarship programme currently supports 294 Borno State indigenes studying in China, India, Malaysia and other countries, including students in medicine, engineering and other critical fields.
The programme has also supported postgraduate scholars whose training is expected to strengthen the academic and professional workforce of Borno State.
The Commissioner further disclosed that scholarship beneficiaries have received their tuition fees and monthly stipends promptly, with stipends ranging from $150 to $200, alongside support for accommodation, feeding, airfares, travel documentation and other academic-related expenses.
NUBOSS appreciates Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe for his continued accessibility, dedication and commitment to the welfare and educational advancement of Borno State students.
EDUCATION AS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF BORNO
NUBOSS strongly identifies with His Excellency’s position that the development of young people’s capacity remains one of the most reliable pathways out of poverty and conflict.
The return of students trained in medicine, engineering, academia and other professional fields represents more than individual academic success. It represents the gradual development of the human resources required to rebuild institutions, strengthen healthcare, improve infrastructure and drive sustainable development across Borno State.
We therefore commend the administration for maintaining a vision in which education is treated not merely as a social service, but as a strategic investment in the future of the state.
OUR PROFOUND APPRECIATION
The National Union of Borno State Students expresses its deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, MNI, CON, for his unwavering support for students and for demonstrating through concrete actions that the educational aspirations of Borno’s young people matter.
The Governor’s statement:
“We are not doing you a privilege; it’s our right to pay you.”
will remain a memorable expression of his administration’s student-centred philosophy.
NUBOSS believes that true leadership is demonstrated by the ability to listen, understand, respond and create opportunities for the people.
The scholarship investments, the 100% upward review of local scholarships, the continued support for foreign scholars and the broader human-capital development agenda demonstrate a commitment worthy of recognition.
We therefore reaffirm our appreciation to His Excellency and to all officials working tirelessly to advance the educational development of Borno State.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR VISION.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR COMMITMENT.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE APPRECIATE YOUR BELIEF IN THE FUTURE OF OUR STUDENTS.
Long Live Borno State.
Long Live Borno State Students.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Comrade Umar Alhaji Ghana
President
National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS)
Student National Headquarters
19th August 2026