Katsina State has completed arrangements to send a second batch of 68 students to China to study artificial intelligence (AI) and bio-economy, according to Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal-Jobe. He made this announcement during a citizen budget participation session held on Thursday in Katsina.
The state’s scholarship program, which annually funds students to attend foreign universities, had previously sent 41 students abroad. The new batch of students is set to depart for China on September 13, increasing the total number of Katsina indigenes studying overseas through the program to 109.
Deputy Governor Lawal-Jobe also mentioned that Governor Dikko Radda has instructed that a comprehensive estimate be conducted to determine the total cost of accommodation, feeding, and tuition for the students over the entire course of their studies.
“All necessary travel documents have been prepared for the students ahead of their departure,” he said.
“This proactive measure ensures that the state can pay the full amount upfront, safeguarding our students from any financial constraints during their stay abroad.”
Lawal-Jobe highlighted that the selection process was thorough, ensuring that each of the 34 local government areas in the state contributed two candidates to the program.
“These students were primarily identified from public schools and less privileged families,” the deputy governor added.
The deputy governor stated that the state government has already funded 41 students studying medicine in Egypt. He added that this effort is aligned with the state’s objective to develop local doctors to serve the community.