Kano Anti-graft Agency Investigates ₦1.5 Billion Foreign Scholarship Scam

The Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into an alleged ₦1.5 billion fraud involving the state’s foreign scholarship scheme.

The probe is focused on two senior officials from the state’s Ministry of Higher Education, following concerns over the handling of scholarships for 1,001 students reportedly studying in India and Kenya.

Under the program, the state government sponsored 1,001 postgraduate students to pursue master’s degrees abroad, with India and Uganda being the key destinations. This initiative, part of Kano’s foreign scholarship scheme, was launched by Governor Abba Yusuf to enhance educational opportunities for residents.

Governor Yusuf recently hosted a farewell dinner at Government House for the first batch of 550 beneficiaries. During the event, he praised former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for establishing the program.

However, only 418 students were confirmed to have traveled abroad for their studies, raising serious concerns about the remaining students who were supposed to benefit from the scheme.

When contacted, the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiru A. Kabiru, confirmed that the two officials had been questioned over the suspected scholarship fraud. He further stated that the investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged scam and hold those involved accountable.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed irregularities in the Ministry for Higher Education regarding the postgraduate scholarships to India and Uganda. We have initiated an inquiry to establish the facts. Anyone found culpable, regardless of their position, will face prosecution,” Kabiru said.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to trace the missing funds and students.