The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Investment, Dr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, has revealed that the state’s massive foreign and local scholarship schemes are anchored on strict meritocracy and a binding five-year service commitment to secure the state’s developmental future.

Speaking in an exclusive interview following a homecoming ceremony for returning graduates from Asia and North Africa, Dr. Wakilbe took a  deep dive into the operational framework driving Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s multi-billion-naira education revolution.

Addressing the immediate integration of the returning scholars – who pursued rigorous medical, engineering, and STEM-related courses – Dr. Wakilbe confirmed that Governor Zulum has directed the leadership of state-managed higher institutions to absorb qualified graduates into the local workforce.

According to the Commissioner, out of the cohort, 62 currently unemployed graduates are undergoing placement reviews, while others are already contributing to institutions such as the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, state-owned colleges, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, and the Federal College of Fisheries, Baga.
Furthermore, Dr. Wakilbe disclosed that the administration has extended doctoral (PhD) scholarship opportunities to scholars possessing valid admission letters, with the Borno State Scholarship Board tasked with swift verification

Shedding light on the statistics of the state-sponsored registry, Dr. Wakilbe noted that the international programme maintains an active roster of 294 students out of an initial 301, following natural attrition cases such as health withdrawals and academic changes.

When questioned about what motivates such monumental financial backing – part of a cumulative N15.29 billion education investment since 2023 – the Commissioner pointed directly to the Governor’s personal history and stringent accountability measures.

“His Excellency himself is a beneficiary of a scholarship, and he has not hidden the fact that he came from a humble background,” Dr. Wakilbe stated. “He saw how scholarship elevated his potential… and he invested in these young lads.”

To safeguard public funds, the Commissioner emphasized that all beneficiaries are bound by a five-year service bond to ensure the state reaps the rewards of its investment. He added that the selection process remains entirely insulated from bias, relying on competitive examinations administered by independent consultants.

Describing his feelings on his role in overseeing the historic human capital initiative, Dr. Wakilbe expressed profound personal satisfaction, declaring how he feels simply: “Fulfilled. I am very, very happy.”