Katsina sponsors 68 students to study AI, bio-economy in China

The Katsina government says it has concluded arrangements to transport a second batch of 68 students to China, to study in artificial intelligence (AI) and bio-economy.

Faruq Lawal-Jobe, deputy governor of the state, spoke on Thursday during a citizen budget participation session in Katsina on Thursday.

Katsina state operates a scholarship programme that annually sponsors indigenes to study at foreign universities.

The state had previously awarded 41 such scholarships.

The deputy governor said the current cohort will depart for China on September 13.

He said this would bring to 109 the total number of Katsina indigenes studying abroad under the programme.

Lawal-Jobe said Dikko Radda, the state governor, has directed a comprehensive calculation of the total amount required to cover the accommodation, feeding, and tuition of the awardees for the entire duration of the programme.

“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 said the selection process was meticulous, with each of the 34 local government areas in the state producing two candidates.

“These students were primarily identified from public schools and less privileged families,” the deputy governor added.

Lawal-Jobe said the state government had so far sponsored 41 students pursuing medical studies in Egypt.

The deputy governor added that the gesture is part of the state’s plans to produce indigenous doctors for the state.