Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has released the payments of N476.64 million scholarships to 15, 374 students studying in institutions of higher learning. According to him, the awards of scholarships will encourage youths to value western education and reduce the Boko Haram doctrine. An Adviser to the Governor, Isa Gusau, disclosed yesterday (Friday) in Maiduguri that the scholarship payments are good news for members of the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS). He noted that the acquisition of education has already been subsidized with state government support.
“The award of scholarships will encourage students to acquire western literacy and raise the low educational standards of the state,” he said. On the disbursements of scholarships, he said that there would be no more table cash payments. He said that instead of table payments, the State’s Scholarship Board will adopt the e-payments for the beneficiaries. The Executive Secretary scholarship Board Mallam Bala Isa urged the students to face their studies seriously. President of the NUBOSS, Comrade Sugun Abba was said to have applauded Governor Zulum for his consistent passion for the welfare of students. According to him, Zulum is committed to improving the falling standards of education in the state.
He said that for a long time; the state has been listed among the least educated states in the north. While lamenting education standards, he said: “This is a disturbing situation that was worsened by the 12-year terrorism.” A report by UNESCO indicated that Borno has 14.5 percent literacy and fell among the lowest in Nigeria. The state government this year budgeted N1.5 billion for the payment of scholarships to students. The State’s total budget for the education sector stood at N18 billion with the Ministry of Education getting N16.5 billion, while Higher Education, Science and Technology got N1.5 billion. Zulum attributed the falling education standards to the over a decade insurgency that claimed many lives and property. According to him, the insurgents destroyed 512 schools comprising 2,246 classrooms. He added that over 500 teachers were killed in various communities affected by insurgency.
