In a groundbreaking move, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria, has announced a comprehensive scholarship program for female indigenes who scored 250 and above in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This initiative aims to promote girl-child education, encouraging female students to pursue careers in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as technical and vocational education.
The governor made this announcement during the inauguration of new executive members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) and a scholarship program facilitated by his wife, Dr. Habiba Babagana Zulum. He emphasized the importance of supporting education, particularly for girls, and acknowledged the role of APWEN in promoting engineering professions among women and girls in Borno State.
“In order to encourage girl-child education in the state, I want to announce that all female indigenes who scored 250 and above in JAMB would be sponsored by the Borno State Government to study STEM or technical/vocational education,” Governor Zulum said. He directed relevant authorities to identify and screen eligible candidates for the scholarship scheme.
The governor’s wife, Dr. Habiba Babagana Zulum, delivered a paper highlighting the significance of mentorship in encouraging girls to pursue engineering careers in Nigeria. She noted that women make up only 14% of Nigeria’s STEM workforce, a statistic that needs improvement. “Mentorship is critical to shaping the minds and future of upcoming generations,” she emphasized, stressing its role in building confidence, breaking stereotypes, and creating access to opportunities.
The event also featured the inauguration of the 4th Chairperson of APWEN, Maiduguri Chapter, Engr. Hajju Tijjani Gazali, and the presentation of scholarships to top-performing female students. Six female pupils from Wulari Primary School received N200,000 each, while six best science students from Federal Government Girls College, Monguno, received N300,000 each.
This scholarship program and the efforts of Governor Zulum and his wife demonstrate a commitment to empowering girls and women in Borno State, Nigeria, and promoting their participation in STEM fields. By providing educational opportunities and support, they aim to bridge the gap in the STEM workforce and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in these critical fields.