Zamfara State Rescues Students Stranded in Cyprus University Over Unpaid Fees

The Zamfara State government has intervened to assist students left stranded at Cyprus International University due to unpaid fees under the previous administration of Governor Bello Matawalle. The intervention comes as part of the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing student grievances, according to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki.

In a press conference held Tuesday in Abuja, Commissioner Madawaki described the issues faced by Zamfara students in Cyprus, highlighting irregularities in the sponsorship process under the past administration. “The present administration, led by His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is focused on setting the record straight and ensuring the grievances of these students are addressed,” he stated.

According to Madawaki, the Matawalle administration sponsored 93 students from Zamfara to study in Cyprus in 2020. However, he claimed that the sponsorship arrangement lacked transparency, including an absence of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the university. “No documentary evidence exists to clarify each party's responsibilities in this arrangement,” Madawaki noted.

The Commissioner also revealed that a consultant was hired to manage the admissions and logistics, including student accommodation and meals. However, students reported being charged for meals they did not receive, adding to their financial struggles.

In 2022, the situation worsened as the Matawalle administration stopped funding the students, leaving them in financial distress and accruing debt. “The students were left to the mercy of the university, which exploited the poor arrangement,” Madawaki said.

Taking proactive measures, Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration met with university officials and committed to resolving the outstanding fees. On November 13, 2023, the Zamfara government transferred N84.7 million to cover part of the tuition fees and provided an additional N30.9 million for student accommodation costs for a period of three to six months.

Despite these efforts, challenges with the university’s billing practices persisted. A delegation sent by Zamfara State to Cyprus uncovered discrepancies in student accounts, with some students reportedly facing deportation orders. The Nigerian Embassy is now working with Cyprus’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address this issue.

Madawaki pointed out mismanagement within the university’s bursary department, accusing it of withholding critical payment information and mishandling student accounts. “There are elements of dishonesty and insincerity that must be addressed,” he remarked.

The Commissioner confirmed that the Zamfara State government is committed to restoring stability for the affected students by paying overdue fees, providing allowances, and renewing expired passports and residency permits.

Governor Lawal’s administration has also been commended for addressing similar outstanding payments for Zamfara students studying in India and at Crescent University, Abeokuta. “We are committed to rectifying the wrongs of the past administration and supporting the educational dreams of Zamfara indigenes,” Madawaki concluded.