…Announces Major Educational Projects in Zaria

By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on his constituents to outline their needs and priorities for inclusion in the 2025 budget.

He emphasized the importance of community input to ensure their concerns are addressed.

While addressing the Zaria Educational and Development Association (ZEDA) on Saturday in Zaria, Speaker Abbas announced the establishment of four groundbreaking institutions:

A Federal College of Education,

A state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences,

A National Open University campus,

A College of Legal Studies.

He urged ZEDA members to collaborate actively, saying, “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.”

The groundbreaking ceremonies for these projects, scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024, represent a historic moment for Zaria’s educational sector. The institutions aim to enhance Zaria’s educational infrastructure and address critical needs in the region.

Speaker Abbas also highlighted ongoing renovation efforts in Zaria’s primary and secondary schools, with 116 schools under refurbishment and plans for further upgrades. He expressed pride in witnessing the region’s progress and reaffirmed his dedication to its development.

“Zaria is not known for commerce or industry but for education. Strengthening and expanding our educational infrastructure is vital for the future of our region,” he stated.

Among the proposed institutions, the Federal College of Education will build on the success of an upgraded College of Education turned university. The College of Health Sciences will address the demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses and midwives, across northwestern Nigeria.

The new National Open University campus aims to support civil servants and individuals unable to access conventional education. Additionally, the College of Legal Studies will further bolster Zaria’s reputation as a center for learning.

Speaker Abbas detailed other ongoing projects funded through the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget. He inspected multiple initiatives, including school renovations, hospital construction, road networks, and market developments.

On the reconstruction of the bridge in Abba village, destroyed by insurgents in 2014, he assured constituents that it would be completed within 6–12 months. “The project is fully funded under the 2024 appropriation bill, so there are no financial delays,” he stated.

Concluding his address, Speaker Abbas invited the public to witness the groundbreaking ceremonies. He expressed optimism that the projects, expected to be completed within 16–18 months, will transform Zaria into Nigeria’s premier center of learning.

“We are committed to making Zaria a center of educational excellence. These efforts reflect our dedication to improving lives and creating opportunities for future generations,” he said.