Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the 10th Senate and Senator representing Borno North, has awarded fully funded foreign scholarships to 11 outstanding science graduates from his constituency, in what has been described as a major boost for education and human capital development in the region.
The award ceremony, which took place on Friday in Maiduguri, Borno state, was part of a broader initiative introduced under the M.T. Monguno Foreign Scholarship Programme, designed to support Northern Borno’s recovery from the devastation of insurgency and to complement the visionary efforts of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who has consistently prioritized education as a pillar of transformation in the state.
The 11 beneficiaries, drawn from across the ten Local Government Areas of Borno North, were selected through a rigorous process. Each candidate graduated with a Second Class Upper degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and also excelled in a competitive aptitude test supervised by a special assessment committee.
Under the scheme, the beneficiaries will pursue a two-year Master’s degree programme in India. The first year will be devoted to coursework, while the second year will focus on research, culminating in the award of internationally recognized MSc degrees. The scholarship package, worth hundreds of millions of naira, covers full tuition, visa processing, travel and documentation, upkeep allowances, laptops, and research support.
Speaking at the presentation, Senator Monguno said the programme reflects his firm belief that education is the most powerful tool to rebuild communities and secure the future of Northern Borno. He pledged to sustain the initiative on an annual basis so that more young people will have the opportunity to access quality education abroad.
“This is not just about sending students overseas; it is about investing in the intellectual and professional capacity of our youths. By equipping them with world-class education, we are preparing them to return and contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding and progress of our communities,” Monguno stated.
The initiative has been widely applauded as a visionary step that not only transforms the lives of the beneficiaries but also strengthens the foundation for long-term development in the state.
