N80 billion federal institutions project launched by Speaker Abbas in Zaria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has launched the construction of an N80 billion Education Village in Zaria, which will house four federal institutions. These institutions include a campus of the National Open University of Nigeria, a new Federal College of Education, a Federal College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the College of Legal Studies.
At the groundbreaking ceremony in Zaria, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani praised the Speaker for bringing these four higher education institutions to Zaria, valued at N80 billion.
He described Abbas as an exceptional leader dedicated to the development of Kaduna State and Nigeria. Governor Sani emphasized that such projects will benefit Zaria and the wider Kaduna State, creating opportunities for local people.
Speaker Abbas explained that the Education Village is a unique project and a major step for Zaria, which has long been known for its educational significance. He pointed out that Zaria is recognized globally for education, not for commerce or industry, making it the ideal place for more educational institutions.
The Speaker also explained the need for these institutions, focusing on four priority areas in Kaduna State: healthcare, teacher training, adult education, and legal expertise. There is a shortage of qualified nurses and midwives, which is why the Federal College of Nursing is being built.
Additionally, the Federal College of Education is important because, after the Federal College of Education is upgraded, there will be no other institution in the state for training teachers at the Nigeria Certificate of Education level.
The National Open University campus will provide learning opportunities for adults who cannot attend traditional institutions, while the College of Legal Studies will address the shortage of legal professionals in the region.
Abbas assured that the four institutions will be completed within 18 months and will cost no less than N80 billion. He also thanked Governor Sani for quickly approving the land for the project, noting that the land was allocated just 48 hours after the need was raised.
