The Sokoto government has initiated the process of paying off the accumulated tuition fee arrears spanning three years for students enrolled at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).
Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the university, the government had committed to covering the tuition fees of students from Sokoto state who gained admission to UDUS.
However, for a period of three years, the Sokoto government failed to remit the necessary funds, resulting in UDUS preventing the affected students from taking their examinations.
Nasiru Dantsoho, the chairman of the screening committee, confirmed on Monday that the verification process had been concluded, and the outstanding fees were now being remitted.
This intervention comes in response to reports that UDUS had threatened to send the students back home if the fees remained unpaid.
Dantsoho further stated that the payments for the screened students would be made directly to the university, ensuring they can proceed with their semester examinations and future academic sessions without any disruptions.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu expressed concern over the situation, which had even led to the institution contemplating the rejection of students from Sokoto.
The former Governor Aminu Tambuwal left substantial debts for the new government, particularly regarding scholarships for students both within and outside Nigeria.
Dantsoho emphasised the necessity of the screening process to ensure that only Sokoto students who are eligible benefit from the payment.
The chairman added that the screening committee had examined students from all 23 local government areas of the state who are studying at UDUS. Similar measures will be undertaken in other institutions if the need arises.
