Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano has addressed the pressing issue of N2.24 billion in unpaid tuition and accommodation fees for 84 students stranded in Northern Cyprus, five years after their sponsorship was discontinued.
In a ceremony at the Government House in Kano on Thursday, Mr. Yusuf presented certificates to the students, explaining that they were among those previously sponsored under a foreign scholarship programme initiated by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. The programme was halted by the previous administration, leaving students without vital financial or institutional support.
The abrupt suspension resulted in dire consequences for the students, including evictions from their homes, lack of access to academic resources, and legal threats from their host institution, Near East University in Cyprus.
“Our administration has now resolved all outstanding debts owed to the university. We have paid N2.24 billion to cover tuition and accommodation arrears, allowing for the release of certificates for the 84 students affected,” he affirmed.
Mr. Yusuf highlighted that 28 of the students were studying Medicine, while others were focused on Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Engineering.
Furthermore, he announced that all graduates would receive automatic employment within the Kano State Civil Service.
This decisive intervention has been met with widespread acclaim from parents and civil society groups, who view it as a significant relief and a beacon of hope. Parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the governor for his support and the job placements offered.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including traditional rulers and members of the state and national assemblies.
(NAN)
