Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has inaugurated the construction of an ambitious N80 billion Education Village in Zaria, Kaduna State. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place over the weekend, marked the beginning of a transformative project that will host four federal institutions in one location: a National Open University of Nigeria campus, a Federal College of Education, a Federal College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and a College of Legal Studies.
Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, praised the Speaker’s vision and commitment, describing the initiative as unparalleled. He lauded Abbas for securing these projects for Zaria, stating that they would create opportunities for residents and support the state’s broader development goals. “This intervention will complement the efforts of the Kaduna State Government and provide much-needed services to the people of Zaria and beyond,” Sani said.
Speaker Abbas emphasized that Zaria’s historical identity as a center of learning inspired the project. “Zaria has always been known for education, not commerce or industry. This Education Village is a fitting investment to strengthen its legacy,” he said. He highlighted the urgent need to address manpower gaps in healthcare, education, and legal services, which informed the establishment of the four institutions.
The Speaker also acknowledged the promptness of Governor Sani in approving the land for the project, stating that the allocation was finalized within 48 hours of the request. Abbas assured that the institutions would be completed within 18 months, promising to mobilize the necessary resources to ensure their success.
Once completed, the Education Village is expected to become a hub for academic excellence, providing opportunities for formal and non-formal education while addressing critical skill shortages in Kaduna State. The initiative is set to enhance Zaria’s reputation as a leading center of learning and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the region.
