The Borno State Government has approved ₦706,594,787.50 for scholarship payments across multiple categories, in a major intervention aimed at supporting students within and outside Nigeria.

The approval was confirmed on Sunday by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Scholarships Board, who said the action reflects Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s continued investment in education, human capital development and student welfare.

He explained that the beneficiaries include 300 orphans of fallen Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members, fulfilling the government’s promise to support families of those who died protecting the state.

Others include 206 students of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, under the State Special Scholarship Scheme; 34 students of Al-Ansar University, Maiduguri; and repatriated students from Sudan who require assistance to stabilise academically after the crisis.

Also captured in the approval are 104 nursing students writing their professional exams at the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri; upkeep allowances for 523 nursing students for five months; and the second-tranche payment for 304 STEM postgraduate students studying in Nigerian universities.

The Executive Secretary said the Board remains committed to transparency and timely disbursement of funds.

“We assure the public that every naira approved will reach the intended beneficiaries without delay,” he said, while thanking Governor Zulum for his “unwavering support and fatherly guidance”.

He added that the intervention reinforces the government’s stance that no willing student in Borno will be left behind in the pursuit of education.