Bauchi State Indigent Students Cry for Help as Igbinedion University withhold Certificates Over N139 Million Debts

Bauchi State, Nigeria – A total of 86 indigent students from Bauchi State are in distress as their certificates have been withheld by Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, due to outstanding debts amounting to N139 million.

The students, who were offered undergraduate scholarships and sponsored by the previous administration of former Governor Isah Yuguda in 2014, pursued various professional courses, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Engineering.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, and signed by the President of the 86 sponsored Bauchi students at Igbinedion University, Muhammad Umar, the students pleaded for his intervention in resolving the debt crisis.

The letter expressed deep gratitude for the Governor’s previous support and assistance in October 2021, when an agreement was reached during a meeting between the university management, government representatives, and the Bauchi State Government Secretary to settle the outstanding debt in monthly installments.

The intervention provided hope and assurance to the students that their educational pursuits would continue smoothly. It also highlighted the Governor’s commitment to providing opportunities for all children, irrespective of their backgrounds, to thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.

However, despite the initial progress, the students’ certificates remain withheld, preventing them from moving forward with their future endeavors. Coming from impoverished backgrounds with limited financial means, the students and their families are deeply affected by this predicament, feeling stranded and desperate.

The university’s bursar, Emmanuel Imafidon, confirmed the debt owed by the Bauchi State Government, stating that the outstanding amount is approximately N139 million. A meeting held in 2021 resulted in an agreement for the government to make payments within six months. Unfortunately, after an initial payment, the government failed to meet the agreed terms.

The students’ appeal for the Governor’s unwavering attention and support echoes the urgent need for resolution and emphasizes the vital importance of education for the future of these young individuals and their families. It underscores the significance of fulfilling financial commitments to ensure that underprivileged students can access quality education and contribute to the development of the nation.

As the situation unfolds, the students, their families, and concerned stakeholders anxiously await the Governor’s response and hope for a swift resolution to this distressing predicament. The case serves as a reminder of the critical role played by education in uplifting marginalized communities and fostering social and economic progress.