Kabiru Haruna
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has successfully negotiated a reduction of over N2 billion in tuition liabilities owed to Middle East University, Cyprus, for state-sponsored students.
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According to Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, the intervention, revealed during the 22nd Executive Council Meeting, resolves a debt inherited from the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The liability, totaling over 3 million euros (approximately N4 billion), covered tuition fees for students sponsored between 2015 and 2019. Despite completing their advanced degrees in medicine and other fields, 50 students returned to Kano over five years ago without their certificates due to the unpaid fees.
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The situation left many of them jobless, unable to utilize their qualifications, with some even reaching the rank of professor.
During a visit to the university, Governor Yusuf initiated negotiations, persuading the institution to reduce the debt further.
After two days of discussions, the final settlement was agreed at 1.4 million euros, saving Kano State over N2 billion.
“This intervention not only resolves a longstanding issue but also saves Kano State over N2 billion,” Dawakin-Tofa stated.
The governor expressed dismay at the hardship faced by the affected students and promised to personally hand over their certificates soon, ensuring they can finally pursue their careers.
To prevent similar issues in the future, Governor Yusuf announced a new policy focused on accountability and proper management of state-sponsored programs.
