Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the payment of ₦2.24 billion to clear outstanding tuition and accommodation fees for 84 Kano students stranded in Northern Cyprus, ending years of academic and financial hardship.
The affected students were beneficiaries of a foreign scholarship programme launched by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which was later suspended by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The withdrawal of funding left many students locked out of their classrooms, evicted from hostels, and unable to access their academic certificates.
In a statement issued by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, the administration confirmed that the sum was paid directly to Near East University, settling all debts and securing the release of certificates for students who had been stranded for over five years.
“A total of two billion, two hundred and forty million naira has been paid to secure the certificates of the students who have waited for over five years,” the statement read.
The intervention has been described as both financial and humanitarian, rescuing students from situations of destitution, harassment, and in some cases, near deportation.
“The trauma these students faced was unbearable. Some of them were harassed, ridiculed, and nearly deported. This intervention is not just financial—it is moral and humanitarian,” said Kabiru Ibrahim, father of one of the affected students.
Among the beneficiaries are 28 medical students as well as graduates in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, computer science, and biomedical sciences, many of whom had completed their studies but could not access their certificates due to unpaid fees.
Governor Yusuf has also announced the automatic employment of all returning students into the Kano State Civil Service, affirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development.
“These young professionals are an asset to our state. We will not only welcome them home but also give them opportunities to contribute to our development,” the Governor said.
The move has sparked widespread celebrations, with emotional scenes from parents and families expressing deep gratitude.
“This is the happiest day of my life. I can finally hold my son’s certificate and see him begin his career,” said Fatima Suleiman, mother of one of the medical graduates.
Human rights advocates and Nigerian diaspora organizations have also applauded the decision, hailing it as an example of empathetic and responsive leadership.
“This is a clear example of leadership with empathy. These are lives restored, careers revived, and reputations redeemed,” said Musa Lawan, coordinator of a Nigerian student welfare group in Europe.
