The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has condemned the recent statement by the Zamfara State government, which attributed the plight of 93 stranded students in Cyprus to unpaid fees and poor documentation by the previous administration led by former Governor Bello Matawalle.
In a statement issued by NAN’s Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, the group described the current administration’s claims as “fabricated” and an attempt to deflect responsibility for its failures.
Suleiman argued that the issue stemmed from Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration’s lack of capacity and willingness to continue the scholarship program initiated by its predecessor.
“Government, by its nature, should ensure continuity. The scholarship program, a significant achievement of the Matawalle administration, should be built upon, not used as a tool for political blame,” Suleiman stated.
He further questioned why the students were allowed to travel if genuine concerns about documentation and fees existed. “It is disingenuous for the current government to remain silent for months while the situation deteriorated and then resort to tarnishing the reputation of the former administration,” he said.
NAN then called on Governor Lawal to prioritize the welfare of the students by facilitating their return to Nigeria and exploring options to help them continue their education.
Suleiman emphasized, “The administration should take concrete steps to resolve the crisis rather than engaging in misleading narratives.”
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected students and their families, insisting that the government must be held accountable for its obligations.
“The Zamfara State government must move beyond political point-scoring and focus on serving its people,” NAN’s statement concluded.
