Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano has successfully cleared the N2.24 billion in outstanding tuition and accommodation fees for 84 students who were stranded in Northern Cyprus, five years after their sponsorship was abruptly terminated.
During a ceremony held at the Government House in Kano on Thursday, Mr. Yusuf addressed the students while presenting them with their certificates. He explained that these students were previously part of a foreign scholarship initiative launched by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, which was suspended by the preceding administration, leaving the students without financial or institutional support.
The sudden cessation of the programme resulted in significant hardships for the students, including eviction from their residences, lack of access to academic services, and threats of legal action from their host institution, Near East University in Cyprus.
“Our administration has now resolved all outstanding liabilities owed to the university. A total of N2.24 billion has been disbursed to settle tuition and accommodation arrears, enabling the release of certificates for the 84 affected students,” he stated.
Mr. Yusuf noted that among the students, 28 pursued degrees in Medicine, while others studied Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Engineering.
Additionally, the governor announced that all graduates would be granted automatic employment within the Kano State Civil Service.
This intervention has garnered widespread praise from parents and civil society groups, who have hailed it as a crucial relief and a restoration of hope. Many parents expressed their gratitude to the governor for his support and the job placements.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including traditional rulers and members of both state and national assemblies.
(NAN)
