In a significant move aimed at rectifying past injustices, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has successfully settled a long-standing debt of ₦2.5 billion (approximately €1.4 million) owed to Near East University in Cyprus. This payment was crucial for the release of academic certificates for 84 students who graduated in various health-related fields between 2015 and 2019 but had their certificates withheld due to non-payment of tuition fees by the previous administration.
The outstanding fees were incurred when the students were awarded scholarships during the tenure of Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor and current national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Ibrahim Adam, the Governor's Special Adviser on Media Affairs, this financial commitment is a testament to Governor Yusuf's dedication to securing the future of Kano's youth, who have faced setbacks due to administrative negligence.
"This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise," Adam stated, emphasizing the importance of these graduates in addressing the healthcare needs of the state.
Governor Yusuf's proactive approach culminated in a visit to Cyprus on December 9, 2024, where he met with the university's management to negotiate the terms for settling the debt. The resolution of this issue marks a pivotal moment for the affected students, who can now obtain their graduation certificates and begin contributing to their communities.
At the 22nd Executive Council meeting, Governor Yusuf expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, noting that the debt owed to the university had been reduced to less than ₦2 billion from an initial amount exceeding ₦4 billion, accumulated from 2015 to 2019. "I am pleased to announce that we have successfully reduced the school fee debt owed by Kano State to less than ₦2 billion from what we were originally owed by Near East University in Cyprus," he remarked.
The certificates will be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty for the students. Many of these graduates have faced difficulties in pursuing their careers due to the lack of official recognition of their qualifications.
Governor Yusuf's administration has made education a priority, recognizing its vital role in the development of Kano State. By addressing the systemic issues that have plagued the education sector, he aims to inspire hope among the youth and empower them to achieve their aspirations. The governor's commitment to educational reform is not only about fulfilling promises but also about investing in the future of the state.
The need for qualified medical personnel in Nigeria is critical, especially as reports indicate that approximately 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in search of better opportunities abroad in the last five to seven years. This highlights the urgency of ensuring that the graduates from Kano State can step into roles that will help alleviate the healthcare challenges facing the nation.
As the graduates prepare to receive their certificates, there is a palpable sense of relief and optimism in Kano. The governor's actions have provided these young professionals with a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf's efforts not only rectify past mistakes but also lay the groundwork for a more robust and responsive educational system in Kano. His administration's focus on empowering youth serves as a reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
In summary, the payment of ₦2.5 billion to Near East University marks a transformative moment for the graduates of Kano State. With their certificates finally within reach, these young professionals are poised to embark on careers that will not only fulfill their personal ambitions but also serve the greater good of their communities and the state.
