Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has once again demonstrated his reputation for hands-on leadership as he visited Borno State scholarship beneficiaries studying in India and personally presented ₦500,000 to each of them. The visit, carried out across two major universities in India, reinforces the administration’s ongoing commitment to human-capital development and signals that the state government remains deeply invested in the welfare of its citizens abroad.
The Governor’s first stop was Sharda University in Noida, where dozens of Borno students are currently enrolled under the state’s foreign scholarship scheme. Arriving with a small delegation, Zulum addressed the students directly, urging them to remain focused and disciplined in their academic pursuits. He reminded them that the knowledge they are acquiring abroad is not only an investment in their personal future but a vital part of Borno State’s long-term development strategy. Students in attendance described the interaction as both reassuring and motivating, noting that the Governor’s physical presence — rather than sending representatives — showed genuine concern for their wellbeing and academic progress.
From Noida, the Governor proceeded to Integral University in Lucknow, where more Borno students are pursuing degrees in various fields. The same financial support was delivered to each student there as well, bringing relief to many who have been facing rising living costs in recent months. In both universities, Zulum emphasized that the support was designed to cushion the financial pressures of studying abroad and to enable students maintain full concentration on their academic responsibilities.
In a further directive issued during the visit, the Governor ordered that the same ₦500,000 assistance be extended to Borno scholarship beneficiaries currently studying in Malaysia. The decision was framed around principles of fairness and equity, ensuring that students in all foreign scholarship locations receive the same level of support irrespective of their host country. According to officials, arrangements for the Malaysian disbursement are already in motion.
The gesture comes at a period when many students abroad are grappling with rising accommodation costs, currency fluctuations, transportation expenses, and other day-to-day needs that are not always fully covered by traditional scholarship provisions. For many of the students, the Governor’s intervention provides vital financial breathing room and sends a message that the government remains attentive to their challenges. Some students expressed deep appreciation, describing the visit as timely, compassionate, and an illustration of leadership that “does not forget its people once they leave the state.”
This development also aligns with a broader pattern observed under Zulum’s administration in recent years. Borno State has significantly expanded its scholarship interventions both locally and internationally, spending billions of naira to support students in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, nursing, technology, and environmental sciences. The administration has consistently argued that rebuilding Borno — a state that has suffered years of insurgency — requires not only infrastructure and security efforts but also an aggressive investment in developing a new generation of skilled professionals.
Beyond easing financial stress, the Governor’s visit appears to have delivered a major psychological boost for the students. Witnesses reported that the atmosphere shifted palpably as students engaged directly with Zulum, expressing concerns, sharing academic milestones, and receiving assurances that their progress remains a priority for the government. Many students said the visit revived their optimism and strengthened their commitment to return home upon graduation to contribute to Borno’s rebuilding process.
The significance of this gesture goes beyond the monetary amount. It signals continuity in leadership and accountability in public office — traits that many Nigerians often say are lacking in national and state governance. Zulum’s direct interaction with citizens abroad showcases a style of governance that is people-centered and visibly engaged, offering a contrast to the administrative detachment commonly associated with public sector programmes.
However, as with any large-scale scholarship programme, questions remain for the future. Stakeholders in the education sector will be watching how consistently the government can maintain such support for all foreign-based beneficiaries, especially as economic pressures fluctuate. Analysts also point out the need for strong monitoring systems that ensure scholarship recipients complete their studies and return to participate in the state’s development. Sustainability, accountability, and measurable outcomes will ultimately determine the long-term value of these investments.
