An indigenous group from Zamfara State, known as Zamfara Concerned Citizens, has expressed strong criticism of Governor Dauda Lawal for allegedly abandoning more than 100 Zamfara students who were sponsored to study in Cyprus.
These students, originally sent abroad on scholarships funded by the Zamfara State government, are now reportedly stranded, lacking financial support, and struggling to meet basic living needs.
In a statement released Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Abubakar Mansur, called the situation “heart-wrenching” and condemned Governor Dauda Lawal Dare for allegedly cutting off the students’ funding, leaving them unable to continue their studies.
According to Mansur, the scholarship programme, which aimed to uplift Zamfara’s youth by providing educational opportunities abroad, took a sudden turn last year when funding was halted, leaving the students without means to cover their tuition fees.
“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 calling for urgent government intervention to reinstate the promised financial support. Abubakar emphasized that restoring the funding would enable these young scholars to complete their studies and return to Nigeria as skilled professionals who could contribute to the country’s development.
As of yet, Governor Dare’s office has not responded to these allegations.
