Date: November 28, 2025 Category: Education & Youth Empowerment
In a landmark move for aviation education in Nigeria, the Isaac Balami Foundation is proud to share 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).
During a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri, His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, announced a major partnership to sponsor indigent youths for degree programmes at IBUAM. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our shared vision of using education as a tool for poverty alleviation and national development.
Empowering the Vulnerable on Merit
Governor Zulum’s directive was clear and deeply aligned with the values of our Foundation: the selection process must prioritize the most vulnerable—youths who possess the academic brilliance to succeed but lack the financial capacity to pursue high-cost aviation courses.
“I don’t want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor, or the commissioner to be selected. Purely on merit!” the Governor stated, emphasizing that this initiative is strictly for those who truly need it.
Giving Back: 54 Free Slots for Borno Indigenes
For our Founder, Dr. Isaac Balami, this partnership is deeply personal. Years ago, it was a scholarship from the Borno State Government that enabled him to pursue his own dream of becoming an aircraft engineer. Today, that investment has come full circle.
In a gesture of profound gratitude and “payback” to the state that raised him, Dr. Balami announced that the University will provide free specialized training to 54 Borno indigenes.
- The Commitment: Two youths from each of the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State.
- The Focus: Specialized training in Aircraft Planners and Technicians.
- The Goal: To bridge the technical skills gap in the Nigerian aviation sector.
A Vision for the Future
This collaboration is about more than just degrees; it is about employability and industry readiness. Dr. Balami assured the Governor that these students will not just sit in classrooms. They will spend their holidays in the hangar—repairing engines, working on landing gears, and gaining the real-world experience required to work unsupervised anywhere in the globe upon graduation.
The Isaac Balami Foundation remains committed to identifying and nurturing talent, ensuring that financial background is never a barrier to the skies. We thank Governor Zulum for his visionary leadership and look forward to seeing the next generation of pilots and engineers emerge from Borno State.
To support the Isaac Balami Foundation or learn more about our scholarship initiatives, please visit our “Get Involved” page.
