Zamfara Citizens Criticize Governor for Abandoning Students in Cyprus

An indigenous group from Zamfara State, the Zamfara Concerned Citizens, has sharply criticized Governor Dauda Lawal for allegedly abandoning over 100 students sent to Cyprus on state-sponsored scholarships.

These students, who once had their education funded by the Zamfara State government, are reportedly stranded and struggling to meet basic living expenses due to the cessation of financial support. Families of the affected students, along with concerned residents, are urgently calling for government intervention to restore the promised funding. Abubakar Mansur, the group’s spokesperson, highlighted that reinstating the support would enable these young scholars to complete their education and return to Nigeria as skilled professionals who can contribute to the nation’s development.

As of now, there has been no response from Governor Dauda Lawal’s office regarding these allegations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mansur described the situation as “heart-wrenching” and condemned the governor for cutting off the students’ funding, which has left them unable to continue their studies. He noted that the scholarship program, intended to empower Zamfara’s youth with educational opportunities abroad, took a troubling turn last year when funding was halted, forcing students to face serious challenges in paying tuition fees.

“The students have been dismissed from their schools and are now living in dire conditions,” Mansur said. “Many have resorted to sleeping in mosques or public areas, while others are taking on low-paying jobs to meet their basic needs.”