Sokoto State has started plans to transfer 39 of its students studying in various schools abroad back to the country.

This was revealed by spokesperson of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, Imam Imam on Friday who said the decision will save the state N500 million.

“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,” Tambuwal said.

He added that admissions have been secured for all the students in Nigerian institutions.

“As at the time we sent the children to Dubai to study last year, the state government was spending over 400 million Naira per annum to maintain them there.

“The last administration had good intentions when it sent them to Dubai to further their studies, but the current financial situation of the state can no longer allow us to continue with this burden.

“We explained to the parents and guardians of the students that as at today, Sokoto state government spends over 500 million Naira to maintain 17,000 of its citizens on scholarship in various schools in Nigeria.

“So having to pay N400 million for 38 students in Dubai was weighing heavily on the scarce resources of the state.

“We thank them for their understanding,” the governor said.

Azeez