Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
After years of uncertainty, the Bauchi State Government has cleared a N136 million tuition debt owed to Igbinedion University, securing the release of certificates for 84 graduates whose academic credentials had been withheld.
The beneficiaries, sponsored under the state’s Special Intervention Programme during the 2017/2018 academic session, studied professional courses including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and related disciplines.
Their inability to access their certificates had stalled their professional advancement and full participation in their respective fields.
At the official presentation ceremony, Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Dr. Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, lauded Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the payment, describing the intervention as a major relief for the graduates and their families.
She explained that the certificate recovery process was completed in stages, with 16 certificates released in August 2025, 21 in December 2025, and an additional 44 in January 2026.
According to her, some graduates who had independently settled their fees with the university would be reimbursed, while ongoing reconciliation was underway for others who had earlier obtained their certificates personally.
“Eighty-four students have now been fully cleared. This milestone was only possible because of the governor’s decisive intervention,” Kango said.
Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to educational development, noting that the Special Intervention Programme was created to strengthen Bauchi State’s workforce in strategic sectors.
“Education is the greatest instrument of empowerment. These certificates represent not just academic achievement, but access to greater opportunities and service to society,” the deputy governor stated.
He further revealed that the administration has invested more than N13.2 billion in the education sector through infrastructure development, hostel construction, road projects, and institutional accreditation, with support from TETFund.
Responding on behalf of the graduates, Pharmacist Isa Muhammed Shamsudeen expressed appreciation to the state government for resolving the prolonged issue and pledged that beneficiaries would serve diligently in their professions.
Retired Permanent Secretary Hannatu Iliya, representing parents and families, described the occasion as a dream fulfilled, praising the governor and education ministry for restoring hope to the affected graduates.
The release of the certificates marks a significant step in Bauchi State’s broader commitment to educational advancement and human capital development, while opening long-delayed professional pathways for the graduates.
Discussion about this post