THE governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has come to the aid of 84 students stranded in Northern Cyprus by settling their outstanding tuition and accommodation fees totaling ₦2.24 billion.
These students were part of a foreign scholarship initiative launched by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
However, the program was abruptly halted during Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s tenure, leaving many students abandoned abroad—unable to complete their studies or obtain their certificates.
In a statement by the Governor’s Director General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was confirmed that the full payment was made to Near East University, enabling the release of the students’ academic certificates after more than five years.
The governor’s action brings relief to students and their families, many of whom endured severe hardship including eviction, academic exclusion, and threats of deportation.
“This is more than a financial rescue; it’s a humanitarian and moral obligation,” said Kabiru Ibrahim, the father of one of the affected students.
Among the 84 beneficiaries are 28 medical students, along with graduates in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, computer science, and biomedical sciences—most of whom had completed their studies but were held back by unpaid fees.
Governor Yusuf also announced that all returning students would be given automatic employment in the Kano State civil service.
“These young professionals are valuable assets to our state. We are not only bringing them home, but also integrating them into our development efforts,” he stated.
The move has sparked widespread celebration across Kano, with emotional reactions from grateful parents and praise from human rights groups and the Nigerian diaspora.
“This is leadership with compassion. Governor Yusuf has restored hopes, careers, and dignity,” said Musa Lawan, a Nigerian student welfare advocate in Europe.