The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has sent a total of 103 indigenes of Borno State to the Republic of China for medicine and engineering studies.
In a farewell ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, Zulum said the students were expected to pursue medicine and engineering programs in six universities across China.
The governor, who was represented by Ahmadu Jaha, the lawmaker representing the Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to fostering an inclusive society through quality education and robust healthcare services.
According to him, the schorlarship programme is part of the state’s 25-year development plan.
Zulum, while congratulating the scholarship recipients, disclosed that almost N1.5 billioñ had been allocated annually for their tuition and living expenses.
Jaha informed Arewa PUNCH that the recipients’ ten-year bond of service to the state would ensure that their education benefits the different Borno communities upon completion of their various studies.
On his part, the Borno State Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Abba Wakilbe, noted that the government’s significant financial commitment, running into over N11 billion had been allocated for scholarships since 2019, with N1.28 billion specifically for this initiative.
He also revealed that an allocation of $45,638.00 for medical insurance, residency permits, and physical check-ups had been expended on the beneficiaries.
Thus, Wakilbe urged the students to prioritise their studies, maintain good health, and uphold discipline.
According to the Commissioner, 10 students will be admitted to Jinzhou Medical University, 30 to Anhui Medical University, 12 to Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 20 to Liaoning University of Technology, 18 to Hefei University of Technology, and 13 students to the Xuzhou Medical University.
