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By Jasper Katagum
It was hope and happiness renewed at the weekend for the abandoned and stranded students of Kaduna State origin in foreign varsities as Governor Uba Sani cleared their outstanding fees of over N407 million naira. The staggering outstanding tuition fees owed to foreign universities by Kaduna State-sponsored students, totaled $247,235.84, which is equivalent to N407,937,750 at prevailing exchange rate. The beneficiaries include those who studied Medicine and Nursing and were abandoned and left stranded abroad by the previous administration.
Disclosing Governor Uba Sani’s kind gesture in a press statement on Saturday, the Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Professor Yahya Saleh Ibrahim, said the stranded students included those who were ‘’unable to graduate, renew visas, or access their academic records.’’
Giving a breakdown of the settled tuition fees, the statement showed that Debrecen University, UK/Hungary, was paid $51,400.00, which is equivalent to N84,810,000.00; Dubai-based University of Wollongong was paid $13,827.08, amounting to N22,814,550.00; The Medical University, Havana, got $164,010.00, which is equivalent to N270, 616, 500.00 while KIU IUIU Uganda received $17, 998.00 or N29,696,700.00, the statement added.
Professor Ibrahim pointed out that the Governor’s action is “in line with his administration’s commitment to human capital development and expanding access to education for indigent students.’’
The Executive Secretary further stated that: ‘’Governor Uba Sani has also cleared the foreign tuition fees of state-sponsored students from 2023 to date. His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani has also directed the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board to liaise with all foreign universities where Kaduna State students are studying to ascertain the status of their tuition fee payments.’’
According to Prof Ibrahim, the directive was given “with a view to settling any payment that may not have been captured in the Master List of the Scholarship Board.
The Governor is determined to put in place a robust process that will end the hardship being experienced in foreign universities by Kaduna State’s students,’’ he added.
Prof Ibrahim noted that Governor Uba sani’s swift intervention underscores his commitment to human capital development and empowering youths of Kaduna State, especially the underprivileged, to play key roles in a fast changing and technologically-driven world.
The Executive Secretary argued that the Governor Uba Sani remains committed to ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial difficulties.
What transpired at the weekend is nothing novel to Governor Uba Sani as human capital development has always been a key component of his administrative policies. Early February this year, Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development through quality education, skills training, and entrepreneurship. At the 33rd Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship in recognition of his contributions to the field, he made it clear to all and sundry who were in attendance. To be candid, Governor Uba sani has been instrumental in launching initiatives that equip young people with relevant skills, fostering job creation and economic growth in Kaduna State.
Without a doubt, in a world increasingly defined by globalization and interconnectivity, education remains a cornerstone for individual and societal progress. For many students from Kaduna State, Nigeria, pursuing education abroad is not just a dream but a pathway to personal and professional development. However, the challenges of financial constraints can often derail these aspirations. Having a governor whose administration took a significant step by clearing the school fees of these abandoned and stranded students in foreign countries, can only be defined as a move that underscores his commitment to human capital development in the state.
The decision to clear the school fees of these students is not merely an act of benevolence; it is a strategic investment in the future of Kaduna State. At a time when some elements with warped philosophy claim that “education is a scam,” Governor Uba Sani has simply demonstrated that education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and therefore decided that everything necessary must be done to ensure that these students can continue their studies. By this gesture, the government is fostering a generation of skilled individuals who can contribute to the state’s socio-economic development.
Like Prof Ibrahim stated, this initiative aligns with the broader human capital development policy that Governor Sani has championed since taking office about two years ago.
In its most simple definition, human capital development refers to the process of equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to contribute effectively to society. In a state like Kaduna, which has faced numerous challenges, including economic instability and social unrest during past administrations, investing in human capital is crucial. By prioritizing education, the government is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term growth and stability.
What is more, the plight of the abandoned and stranded students comes as a pressing issue that resonates with many families in Kaduna State. These students, who were sent abroad at the instance of the previous administration, were left to fend for themselves in foreign lands, face immense psychological and financial burdens. The inability to pay school fees can lead to academic failure, loss of concentration and in some cases, deportation.
By intervening in this situation, Governor Uba Sani’s administration is sending a clear message: the government cares about its citizens, regardless of their circumstances.
Moreover, this initiative reflects a broader understanding of the importance of education in combating poverty and inequality. In many parts of Nigeria, access to quality education remains a privilege rather than a right. By supporting students who have already taken the bold step to study abroad through the instrumentality of government’s scholarship, the government is helping to level the playing field. These students, upon their return, will bring back valuable skills and knowledge that can be harnessed for the betterment of Kaduna State.
As these students complete their studies and return home, they will contribute to the local economy, driving growth and development. This also aligns with Governor Sani’s vision of transforming Kaduna State into a hub of economic activity and opportunity.
Furthermore, this initiative can enhance the state’s reputation on the global stage. By demonstrating a commitment to the education of its citizens, Kaduna State can attract foreign investment and partnerships. Investors are more likely to engage with a region that prioritizes education and human capital development, recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential for business success.
In addition to the economic implications, the clearing of school fees also has significant social and emotional benefits. For many students, the support from their government can restore hope and motivation. It sends a powerful message that their dreams are valid and achievable. This psychological boost can lead to improved academic performance and a greater sense of belonging, both of which are essential for personal development.
Indeed, the decision by Governor Uba Sani to clear the school fees of these students is a landmark initiative that underscores his commitment to continuity of verifiably beneficial to the state both now and in the long run. As Kaduna State continues to navigate its path toward development, initiatives like this will be crucial in building a resilient and prosperous society.
