Zulum Rolls Out Fully Funded Piloting and Engineering Scholarships Following Tinubu’s Aviation University Approval: Students to Apply

The Founder of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Comrade Isaac Balami, paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in Maiduguri on Thursday. The visit marked a major step toward expanding educational opportunities for indigent youths in the state.

Balami, who described the visit as a “homecoming,” said he returned to update the governor on the progress of the newly approved university and explore strategic ways the institution can support talent development in Borno. He was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, board members, partners, and friends of the institution.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Balami noted that a scholarship from the Borno State Government many years ago changed the trajectory of his life and career in aviation. He emphasized that his mission now is to give other young people the same opportunity.

“This visit wasn’t just official; it was deeply personal,” he said. “Education transformed my life, and I feel responsible to extend that same lifeline to others.”

Balami announced new scholarship opportunities for at least 54 indigent youths from Borno to study at IBUAM. He thanked Governor Zulum for engaging in sincere discussions about youth development and for his commitment to empowering young people with exceptional potential.

In response, Governor Zulum approved immediate state-sponsored scholarships for another set of 54 qualified youths to pursue degree programmes in piloting, aeronautical engineering, and related fields at the institution. He also reaffirmed his commitment to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

“The selection process will prioritise indigent youths who have academic potential but lack the financial resources to pursue such expensive programmes,” Zulum said.

He directed the Commissioner for Education and the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board to collaborate with IBUAM to begin screening and placement of candidates. The governor also warned that political interference in the process would not be tolerated, stressing that he will personally review the final list of beneficiaries.

Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of Isaac Balami University, noting that the move reflects the president’s commitment to national development and youth empowerment.

The collaboration between the Borno State Government and IBUAM aims to produce a new generation of pilots, aircraft engineers, and aviation professionals from the state, strengthening Nigeria’s human capital in the aviation sector.