By Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has presented certificates to 84 graduates of Igbinedion University whose credentials had been withheld over an outstanding tuition balance of N136 million owed by the state government.
The affected graduates from the 2017/2018 academic session, who studied medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and other professional courses under the state’s Special Intervention Programme, had been unable to collect their certificates or fully practice their professions for several years.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Dr. Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the settlement of the debt and rescuing the graduates from years of uncertainty.
Kanga said many of the graduates, including doctors, pharmacists, and engineers, were unable to secure full professional recognition because of the withheld certificates.
According to her, the recovery process was carried out in phases, with 16 certificates released in August 2025, another 21 in December 2025, and 44 more in January 2026.
She added that some graduates had earlier paid the university personally and would be refunded, while records of others who had individually collected their certificates were being reconciled with the university.
“Altogether, 84 students were accounted for and cleared. None of this would have happened without the governor’s approval. On behalf of the ministry and the affected families, we are deeply grateful,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Isa Muhammed Shamsudeen,a pharmacist, thanked the governor, the commissioner, and the Permanent Secretary for their commitment to resolving the matter.
He pledged that the beneficiaries would justify the confidence reposed in them through dedicated service to the state and humanity.
Also speaking, retired Permanent Secretary Hannatu Iliya, representing families of the graduates, described the occasion as long-awaited.
“We have prayed for this day. We thank Governor Bala Mohammed for his compassion and the commissioner for her tireless efforts. Much has been invested in these young people, and much is expected from them,” she said.
Governor Mohammed, who was represented by his the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, said the Special Intervention Programme was established to build manpower capacity in critical sectors of the state.
He noted that the withheld certificates represented the legal qualifications the graduates had worked hard to earn.
“Education remains the most powerful tool for development and freedom. Today, these certificates are keys that will unlock new opportunities for you,” the governor said.
He said despite the delay, many of the graduates had already secured employment and assured them of government support in their career progression.
The governor further disclosed that his administration had committed over N13.2 billion to the education sector for infrastructure, hostels, roads, accreditation and other improvements, while acknowledging support from TETFund.
“We remain committed to giving our best for the future leaders of Bauchi State,” he added.
