Neb. Rev. Stat. § 72-234.02

No lease shall be assigned nor the assignment thereof approved by the Board of Educational Lands and Funds unless (1) the person to whom the lease is assigned is a resident of the State of Nebraska or, if a nonresident of the State of Nebraska, owns land adjoining the school land set forth in the lease to be assigned and (2) such assignee will operate the land for his own use and benefit.