The parents and guardians of 88 Zamfara students stranded in Cyprus have appealed to Governor Dauda Lawal for intervention to alleviate their plight.
Addressing newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Parent’s Association, Ibrahim Tudu, called on the Zamfara State Government to take swift action to rescue the students studying at Cyprus International University, Nicosia.
Tudu stressed that the students, all indigenes of Zamfara State, were awarded scholarships based on their academic excellence and had been sponsored by the previous administration under the Zamfara State Scholarship Board. However, since their arrival in Cyprus, they have faced escalating challenges.
“The students are currently facing severe issues due to the non-payment of tuition, registration fees, upkeep allowances, and accommodation costs,” Tudu explained. The lack of funding has left them without essential provisions, leading to dire consequences such as ejection from university housing.
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The students are now forced to live in a mosque and rented houses, where they are being harassed by landlords for unpaid rent. The situation has worsened the mental health of the students, who are struggling to cope with the stress.
Tudu further disclosed that the students’ passports and Cyprus resident permits have expired, leaving them vulnerable to legal consequences. “They are at risk of detention, imprisonment, or even deportation due to the expiration of their documents,” he said.
He emphasized that the situation is urgent, as the students are not only facing extreme hardship but also danger to their lives. The parents are appealing for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of the students’ safety and well-being.
“The students are in great pain, and we urge the Zamfara State Government to act swiftly to prevent a tragedy,” Tudu concluded, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The parents are hoping that the state government will prioritize the welfare of these students, ensuring they are not only financially supported but also provided with a safe and secure environment to continue their education abroad.
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