Sokoto Students Accuse Special Adviser Abubakar Muhammad Salame of Withholding Tuition Funds

Over 700 Sokoto State students have expressed frustration over the alleged mismanagement of their tuition funds by Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Salame, the Special Adviser on Student Affairs. Despite Governor Ahmed Aliyu approving funds for tuition payments, many students claim they have not received the necessary financial support.

At a press conference held at the NUJ Center on Zuru Road, students led by spokesperson Usman Yahuza revealed that while the Sokoto State Government allocated funds for 5,994 students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, only 5,290 have received payments, leaving 774 students without the financial aid needed to continue their studies.

Yahuza stated that a substantial N5.6 billion was allocated for tuition fees under Salame’s supervision. However, a significant portion of students reportedly remain unpaid, casting doubt on the distribution process. Efforts to reach Salame have reportedly been unsuccessful, with accusations that he has restricted students' access to his office. There are also allegations that he may have diverted tuition funds for personal gain.

"We appeal to His Excellency Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene, as this issue is severely affecting our educational pursuits,” Yahuza stated. “Some students have been forced to defer their studies, while others are taking up manual labor jobs to finance their education."

This situation follows a recent directive by the Sokoto State Government to verify 5,994 indigenes studying at Usmanu Danfodiyo University after several students faced expulsion for failing to pay tuition. Students report that rather than consolidating payments into a single batch, the Special Adviser distributed funds in three separate batches, leading to further delays and uncertainty.