Parents’ Association Appeals for Immediate Debt Settlement for Zamfara Students in Cyprus
The Chairman of the Cyprus Students’ Parents Association, Zamfara State, has once again urged Governor Dauda Lawal to address the outstanding debt owed to students studying at Cyprus International University. The appeal comes as the students' residence permits, tuition fees, and accommodation have all expired, leaving them in a precarious situation.
During a press conference held in Gusau on Friday evening, Ambassador Ibrahim Tudu, the Chairman of the association, criticized the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Zamfara State Governor, Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, for spreading what he described as misleading information about the plight of Zamfara State students in Cyprus. According to Tudu, Kaura misrepresented the government's position and created confusion among the public.
“The Special Assistant to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, on Media and Communications, Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, has grossly misinformed the general public and misrepresented the Zamfara State Government on the true situation of Zamfara State-sponsored students currently facing hardship in Cyprus,” Tudu stated.
He highlighted that during a recent radio broadcast, Kaura claimed that ₦290 million had been paid by the government for the students and that they refused to return to Nigeria after being issued flight tickets. He also alleged that the students were given $100 for transport and that no one should blame the government for abandoning them. Additionally, Kaura reportedly mentioned that only 72 students were affected, which Tudu disputes.
Tudu emphasized that since Kaura’s last interview regarding the visit by the Zamfara State delegation, significant developments have occurred involving the state government, the Ulama Council, the Commissioner for Education, and Cyprus International University. He pointed out that the students were unable to return because Governor Lawal himself assigned parents a task with a two-week deadline, which they successfully completed and submitted to the government.
“We are here to appeal again to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, that the accumulated debt of the 88 students (not 72 students), amounting to more than a billion naira, which has not been paid, should please be settled,” Tudu said.
He further explained that the students’ tuition fees, accommodation, residence permits, and feeding have not been paid, and these have already expired. The parents and guardians are urging the governor to respond positively and settle the debt.
Tudu also expressed hope that the Zamfara State Government and Cyprus International University would reach an agreement to resolve the debt. He noted that the Ulama Consultative Council, the Parents’ Association, the Students’ Union, and the people of Zamfara State remain optimistic and hopeful that the students will be able to complete their remaining semesters, graduate, and receive their degree certificates.
Key Points from the Press Conference
- Debt Issue: The state government owes over a billion naira to Cyprus International University for 88 students.
- Expired Payments: Tuition fees, accommodation, residence permits, and feeding have all expired.
- Misinformation: The Special Assistant on Media and Communication was accused of spreading false information about the students' situation.
- Deadline Assignment: Parents were given a two-week deadline by the governor to complete a task, which they fulfilled.
- Urgent Appeal: The Parents’ Association is calling on the governor to settle the debt and ensure the students can continue their studies.
The situation remains critical, and the pressure on the Zamfara State Government to act swiftly is mounting. The parents and students are hoping for a resolution that will allow the students to finish their education without further disruption.