Sokoto state government has given approval for the transfer of 39 of its citizens currently in various schools in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, back to Nigeria.
Spokesperson of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, Imam Imam, said the move will enable the government save over N500 million based on existing foreign exchange. The government said this signals change of priorities in the payment of scholarship to study abroad.
“The transfer/relocation of the students was necessitated by the need to conserve funds and apply same to more critical areas in the education sector,” Mr. Tambuwal, said Friday in Sokoto when he received the report of the committee instituted to advise government on the issue.
He added that admissions have been secured for all the students in Nigerian schools, while arrangements have been made to ensure that none of them misses a grade level upon their return home.