The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda bids farewell to the second batch of 68 indigent students of Katsina sponsored to pursue degree programs in Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology in China.
This initiative is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to develop critical manpower in key sectors.
In a farewell address held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Government House Katsina, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda urged the departing students to be good ambassadors worthy of pride to the state and nation.
“We have selected one candidate each for Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence from each of our 34 local governments,” stated Governor Radda.
P “The selection criteria for candidates from public secondary schools remain the same as the first batch who underwent competence examinations before going to Egypt to pursue degrees in medicine.”
The governor emphasized that the foreign scholarship is a joint venture between the state government and the 34 local governments.
He confirmed that the government had fully paid all academic requirements, including tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, monthly upkeep, and book allowance, in addition to travel documents.
Governor Radda appealed to parents to maintain regular contact with their children and stay updated on their academic performance.
He also issued a stern warning that any student who fails to excel academically would be replaced.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Coordinating Committee on Foreign Scholarship Program and State Deputy Governor, Mallam Faruk Lawal Jobe, explained the rigorous selection process, stating, “The students were carefully selected after undergoing merit-based examinations, computer tests, and police screening to ensure only competent students with good moral conduct are recommended for the foreign scholarship.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Engineer Bello Lawal Yandaki, and Kaita Local Government, praised this initiative, saying, “This unique opportunity given to talented students from less privileged families will put Katsina State on the map of the most developed states in the country.”
Representing the parents of the selected students, Mallam Lawal Sani Wanzam from Batagarawa and Shitu Dodo from Malumfashi local governments thanked the administration for the unbiased access to quality education for their children under the foreign scholarship.
Two of the departing students, Musa Abubakar from Danmusa Local Government and Hafsat Hamisu from Jibia Local Government, voiced their appreciation for this life-changing opportunity and promised to make their families, the state, and the nation proud.
