The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has condemned the recent statement by the Zamfara state government, attributing 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 an attempt to deflect responsibility for its failures.
Suleiman argued that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration should take responsibility for its unwillingness to continue the scholarship programme initiated by its predecessor.
“Government, by its nature, should ensure continuity. The scholarship programme, 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.
Group called on Governor Lawal to prioritise the welfare of the students by facilitating their return to Nigeria and exploring options to help them continue their education. “The administration should take concrete steps to resolve the crisis rather than engaging in misleading narratives,” he said
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected students and their families, insisting that the government must be held accountable for its obligations.
