Parents of Zamfara State students studying in Cyprus under a scholarship scheme have accused Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of abandoning their children.
The programme was launched by former Governor Bello Matawalle to sponsor Zamfara’s youths to study abroad. Parents say it gave students access to world-class education and the chance to return home with skills to develop the state.
Speaking in Gusau on Wednesday, spokesperson Hajiya Rukkiyya Usman Gusau praised Matawalle’s “visionary leadership” in ensuring tuition fees and living expenses were paid on time.
She said the scheme was a model of investment in human capital that should have been sustained beyond politics or personal differences.
But parents allege that Lawal’s government has refused to continue funding the programme, leaving many students stranded and in despair.
Recently, 14 students were brought home without any plan for them to resume studies, while others — some in their final semester — remain stuck in Cyprus unable to pay tuition or meet basic needs.
“This is a disgrace to Zamfara,” one parent said. “A leader who cannot complete a programme at its peak is destroying the future of our youths.”
They also accused the governor of misplaced priorities.
While the state grapples with worsening insecurity — with 38 people reportedly killed by bandits recently — parents allege Lawal spent hundreds of millions of naira celebrating his son’s graduation.
“This shows insensitivity and detachment from the suffering of ordinary citizens,” another parent said.
The group urged the governor to restore funding for the students, especially those close to graduation, and to address the insecurity ravaging the state.
“Leadership is a trust, not an opportunity for self-indulgence,” they warned.