BY: NEWS DESK, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024/ 11:35AM

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has sponsored 180 students for postgraduate studies in Malaysia and India, with automatic employment awaiting them upon graduation.

The beneficiaries include 12 PhD and 53 master's students at Sharda University, India, and 12 PhD and 73 candidates at Integral University, India, as well as 29 master's and PhD candidates in Malaysia.

During a send-off ceremony held at the Government House in Maiduguri, the governor urged the beneficiaries to dedicate themselves to their studies.

'We expect each of you to exhibit a strong dedication to your studies and, in the future, to any professional roles you assume. Your dedication is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of your education directly contribute to the development and progress of Borno State,' he said.

He also reminded the beneficiaries of the significant investment made by the government in their education.

'At this juncture, I wish to congratulate you on your success. However, I must also remind you that the government has invested significantly in your training.

'As mentioned earlier, nearly N2 billion will be spent annually on your tuition alone.

'Additionally, I have directed that a monthly allowance of $150 be provided for your upkeep. It is important to note that with great opportunities come great responsibilities,' he said.

The governor announced that upon their return, some beneficiaries would be offered teaching positions at various tertiary institutions in Borno.

'Those of you pursuing master's degrees, where possible, try as much as possible to obtain your PhD. On this note, I want to direct the ministry of education, science, technology and Innovation to liaise with the tertiary institutions in the state and see the possibility of recruiting some of today's beneficiaries so that they will immediately resume duty on their return,' he added.

In his remarks, commissioner for education Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe explained that the 180 beneficiaries were selected to pursue courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in India and Malaysia.

He also disclosed that N1,988,670,230 was disbursed to cover the tuition fees for the foreign scholarships, while N338,500,000 was allocated for local scholarships, benefiting 303 students.