A group of Nigerian students sent to a university in North Cyprus by the Zamfara State government to pursue their education and become future leaders, now find themselves in dire straits due to the government's failure to fulfil its commitment to pay their educational bills.
The students, who have been working to excel in their studies, now face the threat of being sent back home by the school due to mounting unpaid fees, summing up to hundreds of thousands of Euros.
Despite their potential and aspirations, these students are being held hostage by circumstances beyond their control. The government's inability to meet its financial obligations is jeopardizing not only their academic pursuits but also their dream of making a positive impact and becoming excellent individuals.
According to the National Association of Nigerian Students (Turkish Zone), the situation has escalated to a critical point where the educational institution in North Cyprus has issued stern warnings, giving the affected students a limited window to settle their outstanding fees.
It said without immediate action from the government, these promising minds could be forced to abandon their studies and return home, squandering their potential and the investment made by both the students and the nation.
"We embarked on this journey with great hope and the belief that our government supports our educational aspirations," expressed one of the affected students. "Now, we are left in despair, uncertain of our future and the prospects of completing our degrees. It is an injustice that our dreams are being crushed by bureaucratic inaction."
Saddled with the responsibility and obligation of advocating for all Nigerian students across the Turkish region, the National Association of Nigerian Students (Turkish Zone), led by Comrade Opeoluwa Seun Ojekemi, has urgently called on the Zamfara State government to immediately address the critical issue and prioritise the future of the students.
It said, "The government must honour its commitment and swiftly provide the necessary funds to cover the outstanding fees, ensuring that these students can continue their education without further interruption.
"Time is of the essence, hence we are giving the Zamfara state government a 7-day ultimatum to attend to this pressing matter. Delay in action will only exacerbate the situation, robbing the nation of its potential leaders, researchers, and innovators.
"The Zamfara State Governor must take immediate action to safeguard the future of these students and protect the nation's investment in their education, as this is part of his promises to the good people of Zamfara State.
"We call on the media, civil society, and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with these students and raise their voices to exert pressure on the government to act swiftly.
"Let us unite to support these young minds in their pursuit of knowledge and contribute to building a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation."