In a bold move to uplift girl child education and increase female participation in science and technology, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced full scholarships for all female indigenes of the state who scored 250 and above in the 2025 JAMB examinations.
The announcement was made on Saturday at the Government House, Maiduguri, during the inauguration of the new executive members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Maiduguri Chapter. The event also featured the launch of a scholarship programme for 12 female students, spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr. Habiba Babagana Zulum.
“To further promote girl child education in Borno, all female indigenes who scored 250 and above in JAMB will be sponsored by the state government to study technical, vocational or STEM courses,” Zulum declared.
He directed the State Scholarship Board, Ministry of Education, and APWEN Maiduguri Chapter to screen and identify qualified candidates.
The governor commended his wife for her proactive role in mentoring young girls and supporting female education, adding that his administration remains committed to bridging the gender gap in medical and technical fields.
Dr. Habiba Zulum, in her keynote address, emphasized the role of mentorship in shaping future engineers, noting that women currently represent only 14% of Nigeria’s STEM workforce. She described mentorship as a powerful tool for building confidence, breaking stereotypes, and unlocking opportunities.
Outgoing APWEN Chairperson, Engr. Kori Shettima, lauded the state government’s support, stating, “Our advocacy for girl child education in STEM has illuminated countless lives and opened doors for future female innovators.”
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the new APWEN Chairperson, Engr. Hajju Tijjani Gazali, and the presentation of scholarships worth N200,000 each to six outstanding pupils of Wulari Primary School, and N300,000 each to six top science students from FGGC Monguno.
With this initiative, Governor Zulum is not just investing in education—he is building the next generation of Borno’s female scientists, engineers, and innovators.
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