Group criticises Gov Lawal for allegedly neglecting Zamfara students in Cyprus

The Zamfara Concerned Citizens group has voiced serious concerns regarding Governor Dauda Lawal’s alleged abandonment of over 100 Zamfara students studying in Cyprus on state-funded scholarships.

These students, initially sponsored by the Zamfara State government to pursue higher education abroad, are now reportedly stranded and struggling to cover basic living expenses due to a sudden halt in financial support.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Abubakar Mansur, described the situation as “heart-wrenching,” accusing Governor Lawal of terminating the funding needed for the students to continue their studies.

Mansur emphasized that the scholarship program, once envisioned as a lifeline for Zamfara’s youth to gain valuable education abroad, was abruptly suspended last year, leaving the students unable to meet tuition and other essential expenses.

The group is urging the state government to intervene and fulfill its commitment to these students, stressing the importance of education in empowering the youth of Zamfara.

“The students were dismissed from their schools and are now enduring harsh living conditions,” he said. “Many have no choice but to sleep in mosques or public areas, while others take on menial jobs to afford basic necessities.”

Families of the affected students, along with concerned Zamfara residents, are now urgently appealing to the government to reinstate the promised financial support. Abubakar stressed that restoring this funding would allow these young scholars to complete their studies and return to Nigeria as skilled professionals, ready to contribute to national development.

Governor Dauda’s office has yet to respond to these allegations.