The Founder of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Comrade Isaac Balami, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House in Maiduguri, where both parties announced new scholarship opportunities for youths in the state.
Balami, who described the visit as a “homecoming,” said he returned to brief the governor on the progress of IBUAM and explore ways the institution could impact young people in Borno. He was accompanied by the university’s Vice Chancellor, board members, friends, and partners.
Speaking after the meeting, Balami said the engagement with Governor Zulum was “deeply personal,” recalling how a scholarship from the Borno State Government years ago opened doors that shaped his career in aviation.
“This visit wasn’t just official; it was personal. I returned as a son of the land with a mission shaped by memory and conviction,” Balami said. “Education changed my life, and I am driven by the responsibility to extend that same lifeline to others.”
Balami also announced fresh scholarships for indigent youths, pledging that at least 54 young people from Borno would be sponsored to study at IBUAM.
He commended Governor Zulum for what he described as sincere discussions about the future of Borno youths, saying the governor demonstrated genuine commitment to supporting young people with high potential but limited resources.
Governor Zulum, in what many residents described as a remarkable response, also approved immediate scholarship slots for 54 indigent youths to undertake degree programmes in piloting, aeronautical engineering, and related fields at the university.
Also in a statement on X and Facebook, the governor applauded Balami’s vision and assured him of the state government’s full cooperation. The governor also announced an immediate state-sponsored scholarship scheme for qualified youths to pursue degree programmes in piloting, aeronautical engineering, and related fields at IBUAM.
“The selection process will prioritise indigent youths who demonstrate academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue such expensive programmes,” Zulum said.
He directed the Commissioner for Education and the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board to work directly with IBUAM to begin the selection and placement of candidates. He also warned against political interference in the process.
“I don’t want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor, or commissioners selected. The process should be purely on merit, and I will personally vet the final list,” the governor added.
While thanking president Tinubu for approving a university instituted by his own “son”, the governor said the president has displayed his love for the nation by approving a university that will benefit all, especially young people.
Both the state government and IBUAM say the partnership will help build a new generation of aircraft engineers, pilots, and aviation technicians from Borno State.
