A United States-based group of Nigerians from the northern region, Zumunta Association USA Inc., has announced that it has disbursed over ₦100 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 science students across Northern Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Founded in 1991 in New York, the Zumunta Association is a diaspora-driven initiative dedicated to fostering development in Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Beyond its scholarship program, the organisation has implemented numerous community development efforts—including school rehabilitation projects and public health outreach campaigns.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the association’s National President, Sunday Bitrus, said the scholarship scheme attracts over 10,000 applications each year, underlining both the immense demand and the education gap in the region.

“Our flagship scholarship initiative has positively impacted the lives of over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with more than ₦100 million distributed so far,” Bitrus said. “The volume of applications we receive each year is a clear indication of the overwhelming need—and a rallying cry for donors and development partners.”

Bitrus revealed that Zumunta partners with over 30 local and international NGOs and government agencies to deliver its programs. In 2024, the association teamed up with public health institutions to offer healthcare to vulnerable populations—tackling diseases like malaria, typhoid, and addressing child mortality—critical health issues in many northern communities.

He also highlighted the association’s connection to prominent figures in Nigerian public service, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and Minister of Health Mohammed Ali Pate, all of whom have been associated with or supported Zumunta over the years.

“These distinguished individuals—past and present—represent how the Nigerian diaspora can play a vital role in shaping national development,” Bitrus said.

In a historic announcement, Zumunta confirmed that its 2025 national convention would take place in Nigeria—only the second time this will happen in the association’s 35-year existence. The event is scheduled for July 14 to 23 in Nasarawa State, coinciding with National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Week.

Themed “From Connection to Action: Mobilizing Local Experience and Diasporan Insights for National Development,” the convention aims to bridge diaspora expertise with grassroots action to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria.

Zumunta, which was founded as a non-partisan and non-religious platform under the leadership of Dr. Musa Kallam, has since evolved into one of the most influential diaspora networks supporting development in Northern Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), represented by the Commission’s Secretary Sule Yakubu Bassi, commended Zumunta for its consistent investment in Nigeria.

“Over the past 35 years, this group has made significant contributions to the Nigerian economy,” Bassi noted. “They built the first cyber café in Kaduna, pioneering ICT access in the region.”

Bassi also lauded their national reach, pointing out that although their members hail primarily from Northern Nigeria, Zumunta’s projects extend across the entire country.

“They may be northern by origin, but their impact is national,” he said. “At this point, I want to issue a clarion call to other diaspora organisations: study and emulate the powerful example of Zumunta USA Incorporated.”