By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission has initiated an investigation into allegations of a N1.5 billion scholarship scam involving the Ministry of Higher Education.
The commission is currently interrogating two senior officials in connection with claims regarding 1,001 students purportedly studying in India and Uganda.
The Daily Reality gathered that the state government had sponsored these students for postgraduate degrees in India and Uganda as part of a foreign scholarship initiative launched by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Recently, Governor Yusuf hosted a farewell dinner for the first batch of 550 scholarship beneficiaries, and expressed his gratitude to former Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso for establishing the program.
However, it has come to light that only 418 students were actually sent abroad for their studies.
That raised concerns about the fate of the remaining students.
Kabiru A. Kabiru, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the ongoing investigation. He stated that the two officials were questioned regarding the alleged fraud.
He noted that preliminary findings have revealed suspicious activities linked to the Ministry of Higher Education’s handling of the postgraduate scholarship program.
“We have opened an investigation to uncover the truth. Those found culpable, regardless of their position, will face prosecution,” Kabiru asserted.