Governor Zulum Launches Groundbreaking Scholarship for Nursing, Midwifery Education in Borno
………………Nursing Revolution: Governor Zulum’s N1.3 Billion Scholarship Program Transforms Healthcare Education in Borno
By Kasim Isa Muhammad
Kanempress News
17th April 2024
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has taken a monumental step in enhancing healthcare services by approving a N1.3 billion scholarship fund for 997 nursing and midwifery students from the state.
This significant intervention aims to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals and uplift educational opportunities for indigenous students.
The scholarship initiative, launched at the College of Nursing and Midwifery in Maiduguri, marks a historic investment in the future of healthcare in Borno State.
With a rigorous selection process involving 1,080 nominations from all 27 local government areas, 997 students emerged as beneficiaries after excelling in an entrance examination.
Governor Zulum emphasized that the scholarship recipients would play a crucial role in meeting the healthcare needs of the state’s expanding population upon graduation. The allocated funds, totaling N1.3 billion, cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend of N30,000 per student throughout their academic journey.
In addition to the scholarship program, Governor Zulum’s administration is committed to enhancing infrastructure in the healthcare sector.
Plans are underway for the construction of two new colleges of nursing, strategically located in different areas of the state, to accommodate the growing student population and facilitate quality education.
Furthermore, Governor Zulum demonstrated his dedication to supporting students who did not qualify for the scholarship by disbursing N201 million in bursary allowances to 2,010 students of the Maiduguri College of Nursing. Each student received N100,000, providing much-needed financial assistance to pursue their studies.
The governor’s proactive approach to improving nursing practice has earned commendation from the Nursing Council of Nigeria (NCN), with the council hailing the scholarship initiative as unprecedented and the largest of its kind in the country.
Dr. Farouk Umar Abubakar, representing the NCN, commended the outstanding performance of nursing students from Borno State, citing their consistent high scores in national examinations.
Governor Zulum’s visionary leadership and unflinching commitment to education and healthcare have positioned Borno State as a hope for aspiring nursing professionals, paving the way for a brighter future and enhanced healthcare delivery in the state.
