By Abigail Philip David
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has stated that the N80 billion worth of projects facilitated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, will create jobs and enhance educational opportunities in the state.
Speaking on Sunday in Zaria during the commencement of four new tertiary institutions—a campus of the National Open University of Nigeria, a Federal College of Education, a Federal College of Nursing, and a College of Legal Studies—Sani emphasized the transformative potential of the projects.
“These projects, when completed, will be of great benefit to the good people of Zaria Local Government Area and Kaduna State in general,” he said. “Such interventions are unprecedented and will create opportunities for our citizens while complementing the Kaduna State Government’s efforts.”
Zaria Education City Project
Speaker Abbas, who facilitated the projects, described the initiative as historic. “This is the first time four tertiary institutions are being established simultaneously in one city,” he said.
Abbas explained that Zaria’s historical identity as a center of learning inspired the decision. “Zaria is not known for commerce or industry but for education. The best way to honor that legacy is by consolidating its reputation with new institutions to complement the existing ones.”
Addressing Manpower Shortages
Abbas outlined the state’s critical shortages in four priority sectors, particularly health and education.
1. Federal College of Nursing:
“Kaduna State lacks enough qualified nurses and midwives,” Abbas said. “The establishment of a Federal College of Nursing will help produce more health workers to address this gap.”
2. Federal College of Education:
“With the recent upgrade of the Federal College of Education to a University of Education, Kaduna State no longer has a federal institution producing teachers at the NCE level. This college will ensure we continue training manpower for primary and junior secondary schools,” he noted.
3. National Open University Campus:
Abbas highlighted the importance of flexible education. “Many workers and elders in Zaria cannot attend formal institutions due to their schedules. A National Open University campus will provide opportunities for them to further their education.”
4. College of Legal Studies:
“Zaria and Kaduna State still lag in legal expertise,” Abbas said. “The Federal College of Legal Studies will address this gap, producing lawyers, Kadis, and magistrates to serve the region.”
Timely Completion and Investment
Abbas expressed confidence in completing the four projects within 18 months. “These institutions will require an investment of at least N80 billion. We are committed to sourcing the necessary funds to ensure their timely completion,” he stated.
He also thanked Governor Sani for the swift approval of land for the projects, reiterating the importance of collaboration in elevating Zaria’s status and boosting Kaduna State’s development.
