Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken decisive action to resolve a long-standing issue affecting 84 medical and nursing graduates from the state. These students, who attended Near East University in Cyprus, had their certificates withheld due to unpaid fees by the Kano State government under the previous administration. Governor Yusuf successfully negotiated the release of these certificates by settling an outstanding debt of €1.4 million, equivalent to approximately ₦2.5 billion.

Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, announced the successful resolution on Sunday. He explained that the graduates, who completed their studies between 2015 and 2019, were unable to obtain their credentials due to the financial obligations left unfulfilled by the former administration. The scholarships were initially secured during the tenure of Abdullahi Ganduje, now the national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf's commitment to resolving this issue was underscored by his personal visit to Cyprus on December 9, 2024. During his meeting with the management of Near East University in Lefkosia, he advocated for the release of the certificates, emphasizing the critical need for these graduates' expertise in Kano State. Adam highlighted that the governor’s intervention brought much-needed relief to the affected students and their families, rectifying years of administrative oversight.

The certificates are now slated to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a significant turning point for the graduates. Governor Yusuf acknowledged the setbacks these students faced, stating, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”

Governor Yusuf emphasized that prioritizing education is central to his vision for a prosperous Kano, ensuring that talented individuals can contribute to the state's advancement. He reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting young people in achieving their dreams, recognizing this as vital to the state's overall development. With the release of the certificates, Kano State is now poised to realize its full potential, with the graduates eager to make impactful contributions to their communities.

This action arrives at a crucial time for Nigeria, which is currently facing a shortage of medical personnel. Recent reports indicate a significant number of Nigerian doctors have left the country in search of opportunities abroad. Governor Yusuf's intervention not only addresses the immediate needs of these graduates but also contributes to strengthening Kano State's healthcare sector.