Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved the release of N308 million for the payment of scholarships to 14,416 indigent students of the state.

Bala Isa, the executive secretary of the Borno State Scholarship Board, said this at a news conference in Maiduguri on Friday.

According to him, the amount will facilitate payment of outstanding entitlements to students for the 2021/2022 academic session.

He said the gesture would enable the board to conclude the payment for the 2021/2022 academic session, adding, “We will now concentrate on the 2022/2023 academic session.

“Governor Babagana Zulum observed that students are now resuming academic activities at a time when parents are faced with economic challenges and students’ academic demands.

“The belief is that this payment will go a long way in relieving the burden of the student’s academic demands on their parents.

“The governor further enjoined students to be hardworking, committed and dedicated to their studies and make good use of their allowances for their academic development,” Mr Isa said.

Commenting, Ahmad Kyari, an official of the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS), lauded the gesture, describing it as “timely”.

Mr Kyari assured proper utilisation of the allowances to achieve academic excellence. 

(NAN)