The Jigawa State Government has sent 65 scholars to China for postgraduate studies in agriculture and related disciplines as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural research, improve productivity and develop specialised skills.
The scholars comprise 50 master’s students and 15 PhD candidates selected under the second phase of the Jigawa–China Agricultural Capacity Cooperation Programme, facilitated through a bilateral scholarship arrangement with the Chinese government.
The programme is being implemented by the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency in collaboration with the state Ministry of Higher Education.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi said the initiative formed part of his administration’s commitment to human capital development and agricultural transformation under its 12-Point Agenda.
The master’s students are expected to undertake three-year postgraduate programmes, while the doctoral candidates will pursue five-year studies. Their fields include crop science, soil and water conservation, agricultural engineering, food science, animal breeding, pest control and environmental science.
Namadi said the government was also supporting research into economically important crops such as sesame, wheat, rice and hibiscus to identify ways of improving yields and increasing farmers’ earnings.
He urged the scholars to remain focused, respect China’s laws and culture, and return home after their studies to apply their acquired knowledge to the development of Jigawa State.
The governor also disclosed that 16 additional students whose studies were initially scheduled to take place in Russia would be transferred to China because of the security situation there.
The programme is intended to build local expertise in agricultural science and technology. Its long-term contribution will depend on how effectively the scholars apply their training to research, farming practices and agricultural development after returning home.
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