The Borno State government held a farewell ceremony Wednesday for 103 students awarded full scholarships to study medicine and engineering at six Chinese universities.
The scholarship programme, valued at 1.28 billion Naira (approximate USD equivalent), will cover tuition and living expenses for students attending prestigious institutions including Anhui Medical University and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The students are set to depart Nigeria today.
“This represents a substantial commitment to our state’s future,” said Hon. Ahmadu Jaha, representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the ceremony held at A Class Event Centre in Abuja. Jaha emphasised that scholarship recipients have agreed to a ten-year service bond with the state after completing their studies.
According to Education Commissioner Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the state has invested over 11 billion Naira in scholarships since 2019. The current initiative includes $45,638 for medical insurance, residency permits, and health screenings for the students.
The students will be distributed across six Chinese universities:
- Anhui Medical University (30 students)
- Liaoning University of Technology (20 students)
- Hefei University of Technology (18 students)
- Xuzhou Medical University (13 students)
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (12 students)
- Jinzhou Medical University (10 students)
The scholarship programme forms part of Borno State’s 25-year development plan, focusing on education and healthcare improvement. “These students represent our investment in building a more inclusive society through quality education,” Jaha said, speaking on behalf of Governor Zulum.
During the ceremony, several officials, including Borno State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Gutti and Scholarship Board Executive Secretary Dr. Bala Isa, advised the students on the importance of maintaining good character and adhering to Chinese regulations during their stay.
One scholarship recipient, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to return and contribute to the state’s development.
This initiative continues Borno State’s significant investment in overseas education, with the government allocating nearly 1.5 billion Naira annually for student tuition and living expenses abroad.
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