07/09/2026
BOSASEB FOCUS: AL-AZHAR INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP BENEFICIARIES TO RECEIVE US$1,000 EACH
The Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board (BOSASEB) has commenced the implementation of the scholarship approved by His Excellency, Prof. Engr. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, CON, the Executive Governor of Borno State, for twelve (12) outstanding beneficiaries of Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi Al-Azhar Institute, Maiduguri, who have secured admission to Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
The general public may wish to recall that on Tuesday, 7th September 2026, the Executive Secretary of BOSASEB, Dr. Abdulkadir Abdulkarim Harun, formally informed the parents, guardians, management and teaching staff of the Institute that His Excellency the Executive Governor had graciously approved the scholarship support for the twelve (12) beneficiaries.
While four (4) beneficiaries have already departed for Cairo, the remaining eight (8) beneficiaries, who are currently awaiting their visas and completing other necessary travel arrangements, have now received US$1,000 each to support their educational and initial settlement needs.
The presentation took place on 10th September 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the presence of two Permanent Secretaries from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Executive Secretary of BOSASEB, the Principal of Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi Al-Azhar Institute, parents, guardians, teachers and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking during the presentation, the representative of the Secretary to the State Government commended His Excellency Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for the scholarship initiative, describing it as a significant investment in the future of Borno State and in the development of competent young scholars.
He advised the beneficiaries to recognise the opportunity as a responsibility rather than merely a privilege, urging them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies.
He further encouraged the students to uphold the good name of Borno State, their families and Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi Al-Azhar Institute throughout their stay in Egypt.
He also urged them to respect the laws, culture and academic regulations of Egypt, maintain good conduct, and make effective use of their time at Al-Azhar University.
He emphasised that the Government expects the beneficiaries to return with knowledge, skills, character and experience that will contribute meaningfully to the educational and socio-economic development of Borno State.
The Executive Secretary of BOSASEB, Dr. Abdulkadir Abdulkarim Harun, expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency the Executive Governor for approving the scholarship and providing the beneficiaries with the opportunity to pursue higher education at one of the world's renowned Islamic institutions.
He noted that the initiative demonstrates the Governor's commitment to human capital development, Arabic and Islamic education, and the advancement of young people from Borno State.
Dr. Harun urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and to understand that the Government's investment in them comes with expectations.
He advised them to maintain discipline, academic excellence and good character, adding that they should endeavour to acquire both religious and contemporary knowledge that would enable them to contribute to the development of Borno State upon completion of their studies.
The Executive Secretary also appreciated the parents and guardians for their continued support and cooperation, while commending the Principal, teachers and management of the Institute for their efforts in preparing the students for higher education.
The Principal of Mustapha Umar El-Kanemi Al-Azhar Institute Maaji Muhammad Muhammad expressed appreciation to His Excellency the Executive Governor for the scholarship intervention and to the Secretary to the State Government for facilitating the implementation of the approved support.
He described the scholarship as a great encouragement to students of Arabic and Islamic studies, noting that the opportunity would motivate other students to pursue academic excellence.
The Principal advised the beneficiaries to remain focused, obedient and disciplined, stressing that they are now representatives of their families, the Institute and Borno State.
He urged them to make their parents and the State proud by demonstrating excellent academic performance and exemplary character at Al-Azhar University.
Speaking on behalf of all the parents and guardians, Mustapha Abba Dahir who served as a representative to parents expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency Prof. Engr. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, CON, for approving the scholarship and providing financial assistance to the beneficiaries.
He described the intervention as a historic and life-changing opportunity for the children and their families, noting that studying at Al-Azhar University has been a long-standing aspiration for many of the students.
The parent also appreciated the Secretary to the State Government, the BOSASEB Executive Secretary, the Principal, teachers and all officials involved in facilitating the scholarship and travel arrangements.
He assured the Government that the parents would continue to guide and support the beneficiaries to ensure that they remain focused on their studies and uphold good conduct.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mujitaba Mu'azu expressed heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Prof. Engr. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, CON, for the scholarship opportunity and financial support provided to enable them pursue their studies at Al-Azhar University, Cairo.
He described the intervention as a great privilege and a life-changing opportunity, saying that the support would significantly ease the challenges associated with travelling and commencing their studies abroad.
Mujitaba Mu'azu also expressed appreciation to the Secretary to the State Government, the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, the Executive Secretary, the Principal, teachers, parents and guardians for their guidance, encouragement and support.
He assured the Government and all stakeholders that the beneficiaries would remain focused on their studies, uphold discipline and good character, and serve as worthy ambassadors of Borno State and Nigeria.
He further pledged that the beneficiaries would make maximum use of the opportunity by acquiring knowledge and skills that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of Borno State and the country upon their return.
On behalf of his colleagues, he prayed for Allah to reward His Excellency the Executive Governor and everyone who contributed to making the scholarship opportunity possible.
The scholarship initiative represents another important milestone in the development of Arabic and Islamic education in Borno State, providing young scholars with access to internationally recognised higher education.
With twelve (12) beneficiaries approved for the scholarship, four already in Cairo and eight receiving US$1,000 each while awaiting their visas and final travel arrangements, BOSASEB continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating educational opportunities for learners in the State.
The Board appreciates the continued support of His Excellency, Prof. Engr. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, FNSE, CON, whose administration continues to prioritise education, human capital development and the advancement of Arabic and Islamic education in Borno State.
BOSASEB — Promoting Arabic and Sangaya Education for Knowledge, Character and Development.
BoSASEB Media Unit