88 Nigerian students risk expulsion over outstanding debts in Northern Cyprus

Parents of 88 Zamfara State students stranded in Northern Cyprus have appealed to Governor Dauda Lawal to urgently pay outstanding debts owed to universities and other institutions in the country.

In a statement issued in Gusau, the Chairman of the Cyprus Students’ Parents Association, Ibrahim Tudu, described the students’ situation as critical.

He said their tuition fees, accommodation, residence permits, and feeding allowances have not been paid.

According to Tudu, the total debt exceeds ₦1 billion, making it impossible for the students to continue their education.

“We are appealing to His Excellency to please intervene and settle the debts so our children can resume their studies,” Tudu said. He also claimed there had been misinformation about the students’ condition.

In response, Malam Mustafa Jafaru-Kaura, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lawal, stated that the Zamfara State Government had already paid ₦290 million.

He added that flight tickets were also provided for the students to return home, but they chose to remain in Cyprus.