A Nigerian diaspora organisation based in the United States, Zumunta Association USA Inc., has announced the disbursement of over ₦100 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 science students across Northern Nigeria.

Established in 1991 in New York, Zumunta Association is dedicated to fostering development across Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. Beyond scholarships, the organisation has spearheaded various community development initiatives, including school refurbishments and healthcare outreach programmes.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the association’s National President, Sunday Bitrus, revealed that the annual scholarship scheme attracts over 10,000 applicants, highlighting the pressing demand for educational support in the region.

“Our flagship scholarship initiative has positively impacted the lives of over 5,000 science students, with more than ₦100 million distributed so far,” Bitrus said. “The overwhelming number of applicants each year highlights the urgent need for more support from donors and development partners.”

Bitrus noted that Zumunta collaborates with over 30 governmental and non-governmental organisations—both local and international—to implement its programmes.

In 2024, the group partnered with public health agencies to provide medical services to vulnerable populations, addressing critical health issues such as malaria, typhoid, and child mortality—major concerns in many northern communities.

The association also acknowledged the role of its members who have served in significant public offices, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate.

“These distinguished individuals reflect the vital role the diaspora plays in national development,” Bitrus added.

In a historic move, Zumunta announced that its 2025 national convention will be held in Nigeria, marking only the second time in the group’s 35-year history that such an event will take place on home soil.

Scheduled for July 14–23 in Nasarawa State, the convention will align with National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Week. Themed “From Connection to Action: Mobilizing Local Experience and Diasporan Insights for National Development,” the event aims to strengthen partnerships between diaspora professionals and local actors.

Founded under the leadership of Dr. Musa Kallam, Zumunta Association remains a non-partisan, non-religious platform uniting Nigerians in the diaspora—particularly those from the North—toward community-driven impact.

Speaking at the event, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (represented by Secretary Sule Yakubu Bassi), lauded Zumunta’s decades-long contributions to Nigeria in areas such as education, technology access, and humanitarian projects.

“They pioneered the first cyber café in Kaduna and introduced ICT tools to northern communities,” Bassi said, applauding the group's trailblazing efforts.

He further emphasised that while the group’s members are primarily from the North, their development projects cut across all regions of the country.

“Their reach goes beyond the northern states,” he said. “We encourage other Nigerian diaspora organisations to take a cue from Zumunta USA Inc. and replicate their impactful model.”