Follow Us on Google
From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has successfully negotiated a discount of over N2 billion in tuition liabilities owed to Middle East University, Cyprus.
The successful intervention was disclosed during the 22nd Executive Council Meeting at the Kano Government House on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the liabilities, totalling over 3 million euros (approximately N4 billion), covered tuition fees for students sponsored by the state between 2015 and 2019.
Yusuf, during his recent visit to the university, discovered that all the affected students had returned to the state five years ago without receiving their certificates due to the unpaid fees.
Among the 50 affected students, the statement said, were graduates who had completed advanced degrees in fields such as medicine and other professions but were unable to practice due to the withheld documents.
Other News
During the negotiations, the university initially offered a reduced amount of 1.4 million euros, but Governor Yusuf pressed for further concessions. After two days of talks, the parties agreed on an additional 15% discount, bringing the final settlement to N1.9 billion, the statement said.
“This intervention not only resolves a longstanding issue but also saves Kano State over N2 billion,” the statement read.
The governor expressed dismay at the plight of the students, who have been jobless since their return, unable to utilise their qualifications.
He promised to personally hand over their certificates soon, marking the resolution of a problem that has hindered their careers for years.
Governor Yusuf also announced a new policy to ensure accountability in the future.
