Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) has clarified that the N12.9 billion scholarship approved by Governor Babagana Zulum for 54 Borno indigenes is a five-year comprehensive training package, not a one-time payment.
The Founder of the university, Engr. Isaac Balami stated this in Maiduguri while responding to online criticisms questioning the use of state funds amid economic hardships and post-insurgency recovery.
Balami explained that the scholarship covers tuition, professional certifications, accommodation, health insurance, technical exposure, and leadership training, stressing that the funds will not go into his personal account, contrary to claims circulating on social media.
Some critics also alleged political or ethnic bias in the selection process. Reacting, Balami urged the public to focus on the initiative’s strategic benefits.
“This is a five-year package covering world-class technical training, certifications, accommodation, insurance, leadership programmes, and professional exposure. The money is not going into my pocket,” he said.
The Borno State Government dismissed the allegations, describing the process as transparent and merit-based. Over 3,000 applicants were screened, 1,200 shortlisted, and 54 top performers selected two from each of the state’s 27 local government areas.
Balami also revealed that Governor Zulum and top state officials inspected the university’s facilities before approving the scholarship, which he described as a strategic investment in the future of Borno youths and the nation’s aviation sector.
Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe described the scholarship as part of Governor Zulum’s long-term investment in human capital development.
The scholarship package will provide students with hands-on hangar experience, aircraft maintenance exposure, industrial training, and advanced global leadership certification, offering a rare combination of practical and academic learning in one programme.