Jun 16 2025

SEN. ORJI KALU COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN ZAMFARA, LAUDS GOV. LAWAL’S GIANT STRIDES

PRESS STATEMENT

SEN. ORJI KALU COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN ZAMFARA, LAUDS GOV. LAWAL’S GIANT STRIDES

Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, has applauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for transforming Zamfara State.

On Monday, Senator Kalu commissioned the newly reconstructed Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development building and the newly renovated Zamfara State College of Arts and Sciences (ZACAS) structures.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the ministry was in the past operating from a single-level bungalow structure that was inadequate in size and also unbefitting of the critical responsibility and services the Ministry delivers.

The statement added that through visionary planning and responsible execution, Governor Lawal has transformed that modest bungalow into a modern, multi-functional, multi-storey building.

During the commissioning of the Ministry of Women Affairs building, Governor Lawal noted that this impressive structure symbolizes the significance of the Ministry’s role in his administration’s rescue and development agenda.

“It is with deep gratitude to Almighty Allah, and a strong sense of duty and purpose, that I stand before you today to at the commissioning of this newly constructed and furnished building for the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Foundation Stone laying for the construction of a new Women Center in this premises.

“It also gives me great honor to formally welcome our Special Guest of Honor, my Friend and a Friend of Zamfara State, my brother, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

“This event we are here for today is not just about unveiling a physical structure and starting off another; it is about reaffirming our administration’s sustained commitment to institutional renewal, social development, and inclusive governance.

“It is about demonstrating once more that the dignity and welfare of our women, children, the physically challenged, and the vulnerable are central to our governance philosophy.”

While commissioning the newly renovated and upgraded facilities at the Zamfara State College of Arts and Sciences (ZACAS), Gusau, Governor Lawal restated that the event marks a significant milestone in his government’s collective journey to reposition education as the cornerstone of development and prosperity in Zamfara State.

“The structures we commission reflect a carefully planned and well-executed intervention to transform ZACAS into a more functional, competitive, and student-friendly institution. Following all due processes of contract award, the renovation project was awarded to Bankanu & Partners Limited, whose professionalism and adherence to quality standards are evident in the results before us.

“In the first and second phases of the project, we undertook the complete renovation of critical academic facilities that had long fallen into disrepair and were no longer conducive to effective teaching and learning. Notably, the former administrative block has been redesigned and converted into three classrooms, each with a seating capacity of 150, breathing new life into the academic experience for both students and faculty.

“The College’s temporary library has also been thoroughly renovated, providing a more conducive and resourceful space for academic research. One of the most significant assets of this institution, the 200-seat capacity Sardauna Hall, has equally undergone complete renovation and modernization.

“The Mass Communication Studio and Theatre, and the computer-based Test (CBT) Centre have all been completely renovated and fully equipped. The Yusuf Anka Auditorium has been transformed to accommodate both academic and social functions. Meanwhile, the three core science laboratories — Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — have been fully renovated and modernized to support high-quality science education and experimentation.

“Equally important is the renovation of student accommodation, which is crucial to the welfare and retention of students. One female hostel and three male hostels have been completely renovated to improve living conditions and uphold the dignity of students.”

Earlier, Senator Kalu praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s efforts, particularly the quality of work at the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and the Zamfara State College of Arts and Sciences.

He stated that what he observed in Zamfara represents a transformation, with a governor who enjoys the complete support of his people.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
June 16, 2025

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May 24 2025

WAEC AND NECO RELEASE FIVE YEARS WITHHELD RESULTS OF ZAMFARA STUDENTS, AS GOV. LAWAL SETTLES DEBT OWED BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

WAEC AND NECO RELEASE FIVE YEARS WITHHELD RESULTS OF ZAMFARA STUDENTS, AS GOV. LAWAL SETTLES DEBT OWED BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS

All outstanding debts to examination bodies incurred by previous administrations have been fully settled by Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal.

The previous Zamfara governments failed to pay the National Examination Council (NECO) from 2014 to 2018 and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) from 2018 to 2022.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the examination bodies have released all results with-held by WAEC and NECO from 2018 to 2022.

The statement added that the present government’s effort to settle the outstanding debt is part of a broader strategy in line with Governor Lawal’s declaration of a state of emergency on education.

The statement reads in part: “In his commitment to overhauling the educational sector of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has settled all backlog of payments owed by previous administrations in the state.

“The nonpayment of fees for WAEC and NECO has caused a significant setback for public schools throughout Zamfara State, continually placing Zamfara at the bottom of educational indices across Nigeria.

“Recognizing this issue within the education system, Governor Lawal declared a state of emergency in education in November 2023, a decision producing positive results for the educational sector in Zamfara State.

“More than 500 schools have been renovated and equipped since the emergency declaration. Public teachers have been trained and are undergoing retraining.

“The swift payment of the outstanding debt to WAEC and NECO has relieved the stranded Zamfara students, who completed their final exams but could not proceed due to the examination bodies withholding their results.”

“For the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Governor Dauda Lawal has paid the outstanding bill of one billion four hundred million naira that the previous administrations owed from 2018 to 2022.”

“The immediate past government could not pay for the 2023 WAEC; therefore, no public school in Zamfara State participated in the examination. However, payment was made for 2024, and students took the exams.

“On the part of the National Examination Council (NECO), Governor Lawal has paid N320, 699, 850.00 to settle a debt owed the council from 2020 to 2021.

“The previous administrations from 2014 to 2018 failed to pay the National Examination Council (NECO) the sum of one billion and twenty-two million naira, a reason why the council decided to with-hold the results of Zamfara students who sat during that period.

“Governor Dauda Lawal has also approved the payment of the withheld results from 2014 to 2018, and an agreement has been reached with NECO to release the results immediately after receiving the first batch of the payment.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 24, 2025

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May 14 2025

GOV. LAWAL INAUGURATES RENOVATED GOV’T GIRLS’ ARABIC SCHOOL, URGING MANAGEMENT TO PRIORITIZE MAINTENANCE

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL INAUGURATES RENOVATED GOV’T GIRLS’ ARABIC SCHOOL, URGING MANAGEMENT TO PRIORITIZE MAINTENANCE

Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the Zamfara State Ministry of Education, its agencies, and school managements to prioritize the upkeep and maintenance of all renovated government educational facilities.

On Wednesday, the governor commissioned the remodeled Government Girls Arabic School (GGAS) in the state capital, Gusau.

According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, several key facilities at the school were identified and renovated. These include two administrative blocks, four blocks comprising eight classrooms, eight offices, a student kitchen, 20 Racca-style classrooms, a dining hall, and a school orchard.

The statement noted that the renovated facilities include laboratories, an ICT center, storage rooms, a library, a mosque, 14 student toilets, four staff toilets, four-story student accommodation blocks, a matron’s residence, a hostel entrance gate, and a security gate.

During his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized that the ongoing school renovations stand as clear evidence of the progress made under his administration’s state of emergency on education.

He said, “As we know, this school is one of the oldest institutions in this region, where learners are trained to become future teachers. Today, it has been transformed to a comprehensive secondary school offering science, arts, ICT, and commercial subjects.”

“However, the school’s deteriorated condition and the fire incident that damaged some parts of the students’ hostels, the objective of establishing the school was not being achieved.”

“In line with our administration’s mission to improve the standard of education at all levels, we deemed it necessary to renovate and transform the school to make it serve its primary purpose.”

“The contract was initially awarded in January 2024 to an indigenous company for renovating five blocks of students’ hostels that were completely burnt down due to a fire incident.”

“Upon completing the hostels, we recognized the need for a more extensive intervention and expanded the contract to include the renovation of all remaining structures.”

“Furthermore, the entire renovation was carried out within a contract of 13 months, with all the mechanical and electrical services throughout the school. Both phases of the project—Phase 1 and Phase 2—are now 100% complete, comprising a total of 94 structures, all delivered in accordance with the agreed specifications.”

Governor Lawal added that the completion of this school, along ongoing renovations at various boarding schools across the state reflects his firm commitment to restoring the educational institutions.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 14, 2025

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May 11 2025

ZITDA invites applicants for Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) 4G/5G Technical Training

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) invites applicants for the NCC 4G/5G Technical Training Program aimed at empowering Zamfara State indigenes with essential telecom and ICT skills.

This initiative, led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with Nokia Solutions and Networks, offers specialized training for aspiring professionals in the telecommunications space.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Academic Qualification:
Bachelor’s Degree or HND in:

Electrical/Electronics Engineering
⁠Computer Science
⁠Communications Engineering
⁠ICT

Additional certifications in networking or telecommunications are an added advantage.

Application Dateline:
From Monday 12/ May 2025 To Friday 17 May 2025

http://recruitment.zamfara.gov.ng/GetStarted

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May 7 2025

ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH ORACLE TO BOOST DIGITAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN LONDON

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH ORACLE TO BOOST DIGITAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN LONDON

The Zamfara State Government has signed an Agreement with Oracle to invest in youth development, workforce capacity building, and the digital economy under Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI).

The Agreement was signed on Tuesday April 29, 2025 at Oracle’s Offices in London, United Kingdom.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that this work will foster collaboration between the Zamfara Information and Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) and Oracle.

The Zamfara State delegation, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, includes the Secretary to the State Government, two Special Advisers, and the Executive Secretary of ZITDA were present for the event, along with Siobhan Wilson, Oracle UK Country Leader and Senior Vice President, EMEA.

The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State Government has signed a strategic agreement with Oracle to drive digital skills development across the state. Facilitated through the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), the collaboration will use the expertise and learning services of both Oracle Academy and Oracle University in their digital transformation efforts.

“The collaboration signifies a commitment to education and a strategic investment in the future of Zamfara’s youth, workforce, and digital economy.
“Oracle Academy, Oracle’s global philanthropic educational program, offers a robust portfolio of technology education teaching and learning resources, including curriculum and software access, to educators and students worldwide.

“With the support of the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), these resources will be made available to validated higher education institutions across Zamfara.”

“ZITDA will help lead efforts to integrate Oracle Academy offerings into Zamfara’s higher education curriculum, equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to guide students in learning hands-on tech skills and toward Oracle professional certifications and foster a new generation of tech-savvy leaders.

“In addition, Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI), a global program that provides access to world-class learning and certification programs at no cost to eligible learners, will further expand opportunities for learners in Zamfara.

“Through a co-branded Learning Portal in collaboration with ZITDA, Oracle University plans to provide free access to digital learning paths and foundational certifications for eligible participants across Zamfara. This includes curated learning journeys offering over 200 hours of professional-level training in high-demand areas such as Cloud, AI, Data Science and APEX development.”

Trademarks
“Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing.”

In his remarks at the landmark signing of the agreement, Governor Dauda Lawal restated that the collaboration with Oracle is part of his administration’s commitment to transforming Zamfara into a hub of innovation, education, and digital excellence.

He said, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Zamfara State, I extend my deepest appreciation to Oracle for believing in our vision and partnering with us on this transformative journey.”

“What we are doing today goes beyond technology — it is about giving hope, creating opportunities, and unlocking the future. By investing in digital education and innovation, we are offering real alternatives to poverty, to joblessness, and to despair.”

“I sincerely thank Oracle for standing with us — believing in the power of partnership, purpose, and shared dreams. Today, we are not just signing a document; we are making a promise: “A promise that every child in Zamfara will have a fair chance to dream, to learn, and to succeed. A promise that technology will be our bridge to a stronger, more inclusive economy. And a promise that Zamfara will not merely participate in the digital revolution — we will lead it.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 07, 2025

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Jan 31 2025

ZITDA hosted the Women Techmakers community for the ‘Experience AI Workshop,’ highlighting our commitment to gender inclusivity in technology.

The event provided women with hands-on AI training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping bridge the gender gap in the tech industry.

This initiative is part of ZITDA’s broader efforts to support women’s participation in technology, ensuring a more inclusive and innovative digital future.

31 Jan 2025

WeMeanBusiness

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Jan 30 2025

GOV. LAWAL INAUGURATES GOVERNING COUNCILS FOR ZAMFARA STATE-OWNED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL INAUGURATES GOVERNING COUNCILS FOR ZAMFARA STATE-OWNED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

On Tuesday, Governor Dauda Lawal inaugurated the governing councils and boards of the six Zamfara state-owned tertiary institutions.

The inaugurated councils and boards include Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, and the College of Education, Maru.

Other institutions are the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gusau; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe; and College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Bakura.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the constitution of the councils and boards fulfills the adoption of the government whitepaper on the visitation panels’ report.

The statement added that the visitation panels’ report thoroughly assessed the state government-owned tertiary educational institutions.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal stressed that the event signifies another significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to rescue the state’s educational sector from collapse.

He said: “The councils and boards inaugurated today are expected to improve the management and administration of our tertiary institutions significantly. By leveraging on the expertise and, of course, the dedication of these distinguished individuals, we anticipate a new era of academic excellence in our higher learning institutions.

“Over the past 20 months, we have taken decisive steps to address the rot in the sector and restore the lost glory of education in the state.

“Some of these measures include massive reconstruction, rehabilitation, and furnishing of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state, as well as a negotiation settlement of outstanding WAEC and NECO examination fees.

“My government also settled the counterpart funds to facilitate full access to the required support from development partners; Settlement of salary, pension, and gratuity arrears for civil servants and retirees, including teachers, and the prompt payment of their monthly salaries and pensions.

“To build on these and the many successes recorded, we have meticulously appointed individuals with vast knowledge and experience in the education sector and a proven track record of integrity to serve as Chairmen and Members of the Governing Councils of the six state-owned tertiary institutions.

“Given the composition of the Governing Councils, it is clear that each of these distinguished individuals understands what it takes to handle the enormous task ahead and will accordingly rise to the occasion.

“The Government and the good people of Zamfara State place high expectations on you, and there is no doubt that you are well-suited for this crucial assignment. Your roles are critical in addressing the various challenges confronting tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor congratulated members of the councils and boards and urged them to use their vast experience and expertise to advance their respective institutions.

“This should include collaborative efforts and engagements with development partners to tackle funding challenges.

“With these remarks, it is my honor and privilege to officially inaugurate the Governing Councils and Boards of the following six state-owned tertiary institutions in Zamfara State.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
January 30, 2025

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Nov 20 2024

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES FUGUS GOVERNING COUNCIL, ASSURES SUPPORT

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES FUGUS GOVERNING COUNCIL, ASSURES SUPPORT

Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing all necessary support to Federal University Gusau.

The pro-chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Rt. Hon. Engineer Aminu Sani Isa led the governing council on a courtesy visit to Governor Dauda Lawal in his office at the government house on Tuesday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the governing council commended the state government for its unending support of the university.

The statement added that while responding to the pro-chancellor, Governor Dauda Lawal pledged to always assist the university because of its role in human development.

The governor emphasized that the state government would continue collaborating with the university for development. “I would like to express my gratitude to the Federal University Gusau governing council for this visit. Such gatherings provide an opportunity to reflect and plan ways to enhance our educational sector for the benefit of our people.

“I am excited to hear that your institution will start offering MBBS. We were very strategic in upgrading our specialist hospitals to teaching hospitals, so a teaching hospital will be available when you begin.

“As you know, we are upgrading Yeriman Bakura Teaching Hospital into a fully equipped teaching hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“We are negotiating to acquire land nearby to build hostels for students’ comfort.

“Regarding land compensation, we have been actively addressing this issue. The special adviser for infrastructure will coordinate with the university management to find a solution.

“For some projects initiated by previous governments, I will send a team to assess their status and determine how we can complete them.

“We will explore ways to make a financial commitment to support you. In the long run, our community will benefit because the school is in Zamfara. We must do everything we can to provide assistance in all possible ways.”

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Rt. Hon. Aminu Sani Isah commended Governor Dauda Lawal for the numerous projects he initiated for the university even before becoming Zamfara State’s governor.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 20, 2024

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Nov 9 2024

CSR: KEYSTONE BANK RENOVATES SCHOOLS IN ZAMFARA, SAYS GOV. LAWAL’S FEATS IN 17 MONTHS SURPASS OVER 20 YEARS OF PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

CSR: KEYSTONE BANK RENOVATES SCHOOLS IN ZAMFARA, SAYS GOV. LAWAL’S FEATS IN 17 MONTHS SURPASS OVER 20 YEARS OF PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS

Keystone Bank Limited has commended Governor Lawal’s giant strides in human capital development in Zamfara State.

The bank’s Managing Director, Hassan Imam, led top management officials on a courtesy visit to the governor on Saturday at the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the bank is renovating Sarkin Kudu Primary School and Sambo Secondary School, all in the state capital, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

While addressing the bank’s management, Governor Lawal praised Keystone’s efforts and committed to making Zamfara State a favorable environment for all businesses.

“It is well known that we inherited a highly dysfunctional system in Zamfara State. However, this does not serve as an excuse for failing to perform. Instead, we are focused on finding the best ways to advance the state, and that is precisely what we are doing.

“Education is essential to everything we do in life today. It forms the backbone of a better society. In my administration, education is the second priority after security.

“I want to express my gratitude for this gesture. As I mentioned, this intervention will go down in history as a testament to your bank’s role in our success story.

“Insha’Allah, Zamfara will become an even greater state. I am committed to ensuring that we compete with other states in Nigeria in every aspect.

“I look forward to commissioning these schools shortly upon their completion. Thank you very much for this intervention.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Hassan Imam, disclosed that the management deliberated on the intervention area before deciding to focus on the complete renovation and overhaul of schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“What you have achieved in just 17 months has surpassed what others have accomplished in over 20 years. You have excelled in education, health, and infrastructure. I don’t have enough time to list everything you have done for Zamfara State, but anyone visiting will witness the multi-billion-dollar construction of the metropolitan road.

“We are here to support you because we recognize the hard work you’re putting in. After much discussion, we decided to focus on education and chose two primary and secondary schools. We are conducting a complete renovation and overhaul of Sarkin Kudu Primary School and Sambo Secondary School, located in the state capital.

“As we speak, the contractors are already on site, and the work has commenced,” he said.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 09, 2024

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Nov 2 2024

ZAMFARA STUDENTS: UNLIKE INDIA AND SUDAN, OUR ENCOUNTER WITH CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

PRESS RELEASE

ZAMFARA STUDENTS: UNLIKE INDIA AND SUDAN, OUR ENCOUNTER WITH CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

On May 29, 2023, Governor Dauda Lawal took over a government that had failed to pay examination bodies for three years, preventing Zamfara secondary school students from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Among the several problems inherited by our government is the lingering issue of nonpayment of scholarship fees for Zamfara state indigenes sent to study in different educational programs in Cyprus and India.

For our students in India and Sudan, the Zamfara State government collaborated smoothly with the institutions. Zamfara indigenes studying in India have completed their studies and are preparing to return home.

Due to the war in Sudan, 66 Zamfara indigenes were evacuated. However, 14 of the 66 nursing students could not take their final exams. In partnership with Sudanese University, the state government organized exams for the 14 students in Nigeria, which is not one of the university’s designated exam centres. The government covered flight, accommodation, and meal expenses for three examiners from Sudan. All 14 students completed their final exams, while 52 others received full scholarships to continue their studies at universities in Nigeria.

We laid the foundation by referencing India and Sudan, where Zamfara scholarship students faced various problems that were addressed with the state government’s intervention. The question remains: Why is Cyprus International University different?

Despite serious problems uncovered regarding the faulty foundation created when students were sent to Cyprus and other countries, the state government has been pursuing all official channels to resolve the issue, but the school management is blocking the efforts.

On November 12, 2023, the state government paid the university N84.7 million. Two days later, on November 14, 2023, another N30.9 million was transferred to the school.

Cyprus International University has consistently rejected the state government’s request to send a delegation to discuss the ongoing issues concerning our scholarship students. As a result, the state government had to reach out to the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey for assistance.

In May 2024, following significant pressure from the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey, the school management informed the state government that they were prepared to receive a delegation at the university in Cyprus, contingent upon the transfer of funds to demonstrate commitment. Consequently, on June 4, 2024, the state government transferred N100 million as requested by the university.

In light of this, Governor Dauda Lawal formed a three-member delegation for a trip to Cyprus International University. The delegation includes Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology; Bello Mohammed Auta, the Commissioner of Finance; and Barau Muazu, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Finance and Economic Matters.

The delegation was saddled with the responsibility to establish the actual amount Zamfara State owes the university in respect of the 93 Students sent on scholarship since 2019; to screen all the Zamfara State students in the university in person to ascertain their actual number; to verify the students’ various and individual courses with the view to evaluating performance and confirm the year of graduation of each student.

Other responsibilities include finding out and evaluating the conditions under which studies are being carried out, the situation of the hostels, feeding and other learning tools and infrastructure provided, and devising mutually agreed-upon terms and conditions through which the established outstanding and future liabilities would be settled.

Before leaving Nigeria, the delegation reached out to the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey, a reason why two officials of the Embassy joined the delegation to Cyprus on August 14, 2024, to complete the above assignment. On August 15, they met the students and the university’s management, setting the ball rolling.

The first meeting with the management was with Professor Majid, from whom the delegation requested for any executed MOU/Agreement between Cyprus International University and Zamfara State Government, a total outstanding debt owed by each student from inception to date, indicating the amount per semester, payments received and outstanding balance; students’ cumulative academic transcript per semester indicating progress with anticipated graduation date and list of students who made personal payments for registration to avoid semester freezing, the amount paid per student and the total amount.

In a meeting with the University Rector/Vice Chancellor, Professor Habil Nadiri, the delegation presented numerous issues faced by the students in the University, which included non-registration of students to allow them to attend lectures and access school facilities to carry out their studies conveniently; ejection of the entire students (except the ten females) who were patching in a provided boys hostel by the school; depriving all the students (including the ten females) food from the school canteen since the date they were ejected from hostel.

Other issues presented to the school management include the school authority tagging Zamfara state students “under a deportation order,” which was frowned upon as a harsh decision since they had not committed any criminal offence against the university or the country, and the deportation of one of the students without prior notification to either the Zamfara State Government or the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara. We also frowned at this action as unwarranted for a non-criminal reason.

The Zamfara delegation uncovered a lack of consistency on the part of Cyprus International University. The office of the General Secretary provided the government with EUR 947,544.71 as the total outstanding sum Zamfara State owes the university.

The office of the Senior Advisor to the Board of Trustees and Head of the Promotion & International Affairs division provided the total debt the state owes as EUR 650,730.24.

The International Affairs Office confirmed that the General Secretary’s office did not update its system with many payments and waivers. We reviewed the total provided by the international affairs office and discovered many anomalies that need to be corrected, further reducing the total indebtedness.

Since the delegation returned, the Zamfara State Government has been awaiting communication from Cyprus International University regarding the actual payment needed to end the quagmire.

The Nigerian Foreign Mission in Ankara has been actively working to encourage the Cyprus Diplomatic Mission to press Cyprus International University for the necessary official documents. We are hopeful that this diplomatic intervention will help to compel the university to do the right thing without any further complications.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
November 02, 2024

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