The Isaac Balami Foundation has announced the outcome of a recent strategic meeting between the Borno State Government and the leadership of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, IBUAM. The meeting, which took place during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri, has produced a major partnership aimed at sponsoring indigent youths from the state for degree programmes at the institution.
According to officials, this marks a significant step in their shared goal of using education to reduce poverty and promote national development.
During the visit, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum made it clear that the selection process for the beneficiaries must focus strictly on vulnerable youths who have the academic potential to excel but lack financial resources to pursue aviation-related studies.
The Governor warned against any political influence in the process and said, “I don’t want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor, or the commissioner to be selected. Purely on merit!” This directive reflects the values of the Isaac Balami Foundation, which has consistently emphasized fairness and support for disadvantaged young people.
For Dr. Isaac Balami, the Founder of the Foundation, this partnership carries personal meaning. He shared that years ago, a scholarship from the Borno State Government made it possible for him to pursue his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer. He noted that the new collaboration represents a full-circle moment for him, as he is now able to contribute to the development of young people from the same state that once supported him.
As part of the agreement, Dr. Balami announced that the university will offer free specialized training to 54 indigenes of Borno State. The plan is to select two youths from each of the 27 Local Government Areas. The training will focus on developing skills in Aircraft Planners and Technicians, a move aimed at addressing the technical skills gap in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Dr. Balami added that the collaboration extends beyond offering degrees. He explained that the students will gain practical exposure by spending their holidays in the hangar, where they will work on aircraft engines, landing gears, and other components. This hands-on experience is designed to equip them with the competence to work unsupervised anywhere in the world after graduation.
The Isaac Balami Foundation stated that it will continue to support brilliant youths from low-income backgrounds and expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his leadership in making the initiative possible.
