By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Many parents and guardians of the 54 indigenous students sponsored by the Borno State Government to study aeronautics and engineering-related courses at Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), located in Oshodi, Lagos state have expressed their deep appreciation, with others shading ‘Tears of Joy’ as they bids farewell to the beneficiaries on Friday in Maiduguri.

Recall that Governor Zulum last week in Maiduguri announced the approval of N12.9 billion to sponsor 54 students. The beneficiaries will undergo five years of intensive training in fields including Aerospace Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering and professional pilot training.

The announcement, however, sparked criticism by some concerned Borno Elders, Chairman of Biu Forum, Alhaji Mai Mustapaha, among others questioning the justification for committing such funds amid economic hardship and post-insurgency recovery challenges in the state.

Critics also alleged political or ethnic bias in the selection process and argued that many displaced persons and struggling families deserved priority.

But the Borno State Government and the Founder of IBUAM, who himself benefitted from a Borno State scholarship under former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff to study Aviation, Isaac Balami have since dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the process was transparent and merit-based.

Addressing the students before bidding them farewell at his Quality Assurance Office in Maiduguri on Thursday, the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to be good ambassadors.

He commended Governor Zulum for the initiative, as according to him, the present administration has spent billions of naira for the sponsorship of Borno indigenes studying Medical fields, Law, Engineering and other various courses in Nigeria, China, Egypt and other foriegn countries around the globe.

For the choice of IBUAM which is founded by Borno indigene, Wakilbe said, over 3,000 candidates applied, 1,200 were shortlisted for examination, and 54 top-performing students emerged. He added that two candidates were selected from each of the state’s 27 local government areas to ensure equitable spread.

“Annually, each of the 10 students undergoing Aerospace Engineering course will cost the State Government over N60.2 million, which covers their tuition fees, accommodation, transport, monthly allowance and other charges totalling over N600 million, while the remaining 44 students undergoing other Engineering-related Courses will cost Government over N43.2 million each, with a total of about N1.9 billion respectively”. Wakile said.

The Commissioner noted that, no fewer than N2.5 billion would be earmarked and spent every year for the scholarship programme at IBUAM, even as he described the initiative as part of Governor Zulum’s commitment to human capital development and long-term investment in the education sector.

Meanwhile, in an interview with some of the parents who could not hide their feelings with jubilataion, Mrs. Mariam Abubakar from Nganzai local Government area, and former Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Maiduguri who was in tears of Joy to bid farewell to her last born child said: “Even if we are to sell all our family members and property, we cannot afford such amount of money to take one of our child to IBUAM, but we thank God and His Excellency, Governor Babagana Zulum for puting smiles on our faces today”.

Besides, Mrs. Abubakar hails Governor Zulum, the Commissioner of Education and the Executive Secretary of Borno State Scholarship Board, Dr. Bala Isa and his team for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices which led to the seemless and transparent selection process of the 54 best students to emerge as beneficiaries without fear or favor.

Also, while expressing his joy and excitement, another parent, Mamman Babagana from Ngala local government area said, ” I am over excited today, because one of my brilliant child is among the beneficiaries. We are nobody, we don’t know any person in Government, but here we are today that my child got this great offer.

“We are thankful to Almighty Allah (God) and His Execellency, Governor Babagana Zulum. I have already advised most of them to be very disciplined, committed, law abiding and concentrate on their studies so that they will soon become like Isaac Balami”.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the students, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Umar from Damboa local government area, expressed deep appreciation to Borno State Governor for the scheme.

He pledged that they will strive hard throughout their studies to become Pilots, Engineers and good leaders in order to make Borno proud in no distant future.

Umar also seek for prayers from all and sundry for the restoration of peace in the state and the country as whole