54 Borno Students Arrives Isaac Balami University as Government Justifies Investment

54 Borno Students Arrives Isaac Balami University as Government Justifies Investment

By: Our Reporter

The 54 Borno indigenes who were sponsored by the state government to pursue aerospace and related engineering courses have arrived at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos.

Before they departed from Maiduguri, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. conducted a farewell ceremony. According to Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the beneficiaries were selected through a competitive process that involved more than 1,200 applicants.

He announced that the Borno State government would provide scholarships worth about $30,000 per year to the 54 beneficiaries, covering tuition, accommodation, transportation, food, and other necessary costs.

Justifying the decision of the state government, Engr. Wakilbe said the choice of Isaac Balami University was strategic, cost-effective, and supportive of local capacity development.

According to him, “the university charges about $30,000 per student annually, covering tuition, accommodation, feeding, training, and stipends. While Aviation schools in the Philippines charge about $34,000 annually without accommodation, and institutions in the there States and the United Kingdom, where fees range between $120,000 and £90,000, excluding living costs,” Wakilbe stated.

The Commissioner for Education noted that the founder of the Institution, Isaac Balami, is an indigene of Borno State whose success in establishing Nigeria’s first private aeronautic university is a source of pride.

“If one of our own has built a specialised aviation university, it is only right that we patronize him first, noting that investing in local institutions keeps resources within the country.

“Isaac Balami, as an example, recalls how a scholarship enabled him to pursue aviation training and eventually establish a private aeronautic university. “We expect you to return as 54 Isaac Balamis,” he charged.

Addressing the students at IBUAM Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr. Bala Isa, urged the beneficiaries to justify the expenditure made by Governor Zulum’s administration through discipline, excellence, and commitment.

“Some people are complaining about the cost of this training and other major projects,” he said. “But when you complete this programme successfully and begin to contribute meaningfully to society, those same critics will appreciate the vision behind it,” Isa remarked.

He reminded them that they were selected to pursue academic and professional excellence, not to engage in misconduct.

“You are here to learn, not to play. Put in your best efforts. This profession demands seriousness, focus, and responsibility. Lives will one day depend on your competence,” he cautioned.

On discipline, the Executive Secretary issued a stern warning, revealing that scholarships have previously been withdrawn from beneficiaries who failed to uphold acceptable standards of conduct.

“We have withdrawn scholarships before due to indiscipline. Even abroad, including in India, a student was sent back home for misconduct. We will not hesitate to take similar action if necessary,” he stated.

Founder of the University, Dr. Isaac Balami, urged the students to take their studies seriously and make the most of what has been described as a rare and highly privileged opportunity.

He reminded the students that the government is making significant financial investments in their training and expects measurable results in return. He cautioned that only those who demonstrate competence, discipline, and commitment will thrive in the programme.

“Aviation is about safety first, safety second, safety third. There is no room for carelessness. There is no participation in the air, underscoring the high level of responsibility required in the profession,” Balami stressed.

Dr. Isaac Balami said qualified professors, instructors, and technical personnel are on the ground to provide guidance and ensure their success.

54 Borno Students Arrives Isaac Balami University as Government Justifies Investment