FG to establish four educational institutions in Zaria – Abbas

..commends contractors handling projects in the old city

By Tom Okpe

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Tajudeen Abbas has revealed the Federal Government’s readiness to establish four new institutions in Zaria, Kaduna State, including a Federal College of Education, a state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences, National Open University campus, and a College of Legal Studies.

Abbas who made the revelation in Zaria on Saturday, while addressing executive members of the Zaria Educational and Development Association, ZEDA, said these institutions will not only enhance Zaria’s educational infrastructure but, provide critical resources for the region.

Speaker Abbas also said in addition to these new educational projects, construction work are ongoing Zaria’s primary and secondary schools, with 116 schools, currently under renovation and plans for further upgrades.

He also unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the educational landscape of Zaria.

Speaker Abbas said in his address, “It is humbling to be here, back home, to witness progress of education in Zaria,” acknowledging the turnout of personalities who came together for the joint meeting of the association.

Speaking on the 2025 budget, the Speaker emphasized the importance of upcoming budget, calling on the association to share their needs and priorities.

“This is the time to let us know what you require, particularly now that the budget is on its way. We are ready to intervene and assist where we can.

“Zaria is not known for commerce or industry, but for education. This is the place where we need to focus on strengthening and expanding our educational infrastructure.”

“The groundbreaking ceremonies for these institutions will take place tomorrow afternoon, with the public invited to witness the historic event.

In addition to these new projects, Speaker Abbas highlighted ongoing work in Zaria’s primary and secondary schools, with 116 schools currently under renovation and plans for further upgrades.

“I appreciate you all for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Zaria’s educational sector and a call for continued collaboration to ensure its success.

“We are committed to making Zaria a center of educational excellence,” he stated, wishing blessings upon all those in attendance.”

Speaking with journalist during inspection of the projects in Zaria, the Speaker noted that so far, lot of projects beginning from 2023 supplementary budget to 2024 were ongoing.

“You know we have two budgets. All of them contain some elements of projects from various constituencies. And this is the very first time that I have come in more than one year to inspect all the work that has been done.

“I think what I have seen is quite commendable. The contractors that mobilize for various projects, particularly projects that have done very. Because of time constraints, what we have seen is not up to 10% of the projects that we have on ground, but from the little I have seen, I think they are doing well.”

Speaking further on the benefits of projects to his constituency, Abbas said: “If you look at the range of projects that we have from school renovations, constructions of hospitals, constructions of schools, road networks, bridges, markets, and others, it captures almost all aspects of human endeavor.

“Anything that you can possibly think as a factor that can promote or escalate development, I think we have been able to integrate that into projects that we have brought together.”

On the construction of bridge in Abba village which was destroyed by insurgents since 2014, the Speaker informed that the bridge will be completed within six months to one year, adding that the project has been fully paid for.

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“I asked the contractor when I visited the place how long it will take him to deliver the job and he said between six months to one year, the project will be completed. The good thing that you need to know is that, we have provided the money completely.

“So he doesn’t have to wait for another budget cycle for him to access money to complete his job. Everything has been provided under the 2024 appropriation bill. So, hopefully between June next year to December next year, we are hoping that, the place will be completely ready for use,” he stated.

Speaking further on the expectation of more projects in Zaria, Abbas said: “By the time we bring those funds on board, I’m sure, Zaria will become the undisputed center of learning in the country. The projects are all supposed to be completed between 16 to 18 months,” he added.

The groundbreaking ceremonies for these institutions are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15th December 2024.