Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal
Parents of 88 Zamfara State students stranded in Cyprus have made an urgent plea to the Zamfara State Government to settle outstanding debts owed to educational institutions, enabling their children to continue their studies.
The appeal highlights the dire circumstances faced by the students, whose tuition fees, accommodation, residence permits, and living expenses remain unpaid.
In a statement released on Saturday in Gusau, Ibrahim Tudu, Chairman of the Cyprus Students’ Parents Association, Zamfara State, expressed frustration over the lack of resolution.
“We urgently appeal to Governor Dauda Lawal to clear the debts for our children, who are facing severe hardships in Cyprus.
Their residence permits, tuition, accommodation, and feeding costs have long been overdue,” Tudu said.
He emphasized the critical situation, adding, “We call on His Excellency to act swiftly and pay the over N1 billion owed to allow our children to resume their education in various disciplines.”
Tudu also addressed misinformation about the students’ situation, stating, “As responsible parents and citizens of Zamfara, we must clarify the true plight of our children, who are enduring significant challenges. We urge the governor to respond positively to our repeated appeals.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Malam Mustafa Jafaru-Kaura, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal, recently claimed the state government had disbursed ₦290 million for the students.
Jafaru-Kaura also alleged that the students refused to return to Nigeria despite the government providing flight tickets.
However, the parents’ association insists that the unpaid debts continue to jeopardize their children’s academic futures in Cyprus.
