Kano, Nigeria – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State don finally clear outstanding tuition and accommodation fees of N2.24 billion for 84 students wey dey stranded for Northern Cyprus. Dem students, wey na sponsored by Near East University during the administration of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, no fit complete their studies or collect their certificates after former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje discontinue the scholarship program.
On Thursday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announce the development, wey dem talk say na both humanitarian and moral obligation. “Dem students na Kano’s ambassadors abroad, but dem suffer humiliation. Today, we don correct that wrong,” Tofa talk.
The wahala for these students begin when the administration of Governor Ganduje stop the scholarship program, leaving dem stranded for Cyprus without money, access to education, or correct accommodation. Some of the students even dey face eviction from hostel and threat of legal action.
Families of the affected students show their joy and gratitude, with many shedding tears after dem hear the good news. “I never thought say this day go come,” Aisha Umar, wey be the mama of one of the students, talk. “We suffer humiliation, beg, and cry. Today, Governor Abba don wipe our tears,” she add.
Among the beneficiaries, 28 na medical students, plus other wey dey study nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, biomedical sciences, computer science, and engineering. Most of dem don complete their studies but still no fit collect their certificates because of the debt.
In further support, wey dey show say im really care, Yusuf don approve automatic employment for the returning graduates inside the Kano State Civil Service, to ensure say their skills go still dey used for the state. This move don attract plenty praise from education advocates, diaspora groups, and human rights organizations wey don dey condemn the political misuse of educational opportunities before now.
<p“Dis action show leadership and empathy,” Hauwa Salihu, wey be member of the Kano Diaspora Support Group, talk. “These students na victims of political neglect. Today, dem na heroes wey dey welcome home.”
Dis development also don start another discussion on the need for policy continuity for educational programs, as many dey call for make scholarship initiatives dey protected from partisan politics in future.
Yusuf’s administration don make education a top priority since e take office, with plenty investment wey dey focus on scholarship, school feeding, and education infrastructure across the state. Officials don say plans dey underway to facilitate the safe return and full reintegration of the Cyprus students, closing the chapter of wetin don be a long and painful ordeal for dem.
