Bauchi Govt Clears N136m Debt, Presents Certificates To 84 Igbinedion Graduates

Bauchi State government has secured the release of certificates for 84 graduates of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), following the settlement of an outstanding tuition debt of about N136 million.

The development resolves a long-standing issue that left the affected graduates unable to obtain their academic credentials years after completing their studies.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates to graduates yesterday in Bauchi, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, said the delay was caused by the accumulated debt incurred under the state’s tertiary education sponsorship programme.

The beneficiaries, who studied between 2017 and 2018 after being sponsored during the 2013 and 2014 academic sessions, undertook courses in Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and other professional fields under the state’s Special Intervention Programme.

He said due to the unpaid fees, the graduates were unable to collect their certificates or fully practice their professions for several years.

The governor, represented by his deputy Muhammad Auwal Jatau, explained that the governor approved full settlement of the debt, leading to the release of the withheld certificates.

He noted that the Special Intervention Programme was designed to build critical manpower for the state, stressing that the certificates represent the legal qualifications the graduates worked hard to earn.

“Education remains the most powerful tool for development and freedom. These certificates are keys that will unlock new opportunities,” the governor stated.

He added that despite the delay, many of the graduates had already secured employment, assuring them of continued government support in advancing their careers.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, said the ministry facilitated the payment and retrieval process, describing the intervention as a major relief for the affected graduates.

She noted that many of them, including doctors, pharmacists, and engineers, had been unable to attain full professional recognition due to the absence of their certificates.

According to her, the recovery was carried out in phases, with 16 certificates released in August 2025, 21 in December 2025, and 44 in January 2026.

Kango added that some graduates who had earlier paid their fees personally would be refunded, while records of those who independently collected their certificates are being reconciled with the university.

“Altogether, 84 students have been cleared. This would not have been possible without the governor’s approval,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Isa Muhammed Shamsudeen, a pharmacist, expressed appreciation to the state government, pledging that the graduates would justify the confidence reposed in them through dedicated service.

Also speaking, retired permanent secretary Hannatu Iliya, who represented families of the graduates, described the occasion as long-awaited. “We have prayed for this day. Much has been invested in these young people, and much is expected from them,” she said.