A UK-based lawyer and activist, Dr. Bulama Bukarti, has voiced concerns over the financial difficulties faced by Kano State students studying abroad on government scholarships. During his weekly online program *Fashin Baki* on Monday, Dr. Bukarti underscored the significant reduction in the students’ allowances, resulting in financial hardship for many.
Bukarti, joined by fellow lawyer Abba Hikima, shared that some of the scholarship beneficiaries had written to the program, detailing their struggles. According to him, the Kano State government had originally pledged to provide each student with a monthly stipend of $150, equivalent to about N240,000. However, the students have only been receiving $62.50, roughly N100,000—a figure that is insufficient to meet their needs in foreign countries where the cost of living is much higher.
“Some of these students are married with families,” Dr. Bukarti explained. “A student with a family, for example, might send $31 home, leaving himself with just $31, which is roughly N50,000 for his own expenses.”
READ ALSO: Kano School Where Headmasters, Teachers Sitting On Bare Floor for Over 20 Years
The financial shortfall has left many students in difficult situations, with some relying on additional income from their employment or businesses, while others are left stranded. Dr. Bukarti noted that many of the students have now exhausted their savings.
While Kano State originally provided the $150 to cover research, conferences, and living expenses, families back home remain unaware of the reduced payments, adding further strain to the students’ financial situation.
Dr. Bukarti also recounted his recent visit to Uganda, where he discovered that out of 31 to 36 students sent by the state, 12 had already returned to Nigeria due to financial difficulties.
In response to the dire situation, Dr. Bukarti called on the Kano State government to fulfill its promises. “We urge the government to take adequate action as promised. If the government responds, the students will be grateful. Otherwise, we will have to reach out to the Commissioner of Higher Education or any relevant authority for assistance,” he said.
REAS ALSO: Kano School Where Headmasters, Teachers Sitting On Bare Floor for Over 20 Years
This issue follows an announcement from October 2023, when the Kano State government sponsored 1,001 first-class graduates to pursue studies in India and Uganda. Despite the initial promise of support, the recent reduction in allowances has caused significant challenges for many of these students.
Grassparrots will bring you an update as we await the response of the Kano State government regarding the financial hardships faced by students on foreign scholarships.