The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has asked Nigerians to share with the House of Representatives’ members their expectations from the 2025 budget to be presented to the National Assembly on Tuesday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Speaker who spoke at a meeting with members of the Zaria Educational Development Association in Zaria over the weekend emphasized the importance of the upcoming budget and called on the associations 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.”
Abbas also announced the establishment of four new institutions in Zaria, including a Federal College of Education, a state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences, a National Open University campus, and a College of Legal Studies.
According to him, these institutions will not only enhance Zaria’s educational infrastructure but also provide critical resources for the region. The groundbreaking ceremonies for these institutions are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15th December 2024.
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.
He also unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the educational landscape of Zaria.
“It is humbling to be here, back home, to witness the progress of education in Zaria,” Speaker Abbas said, acknowledging the turnout of personalities who came together for the joint meeting of the association’s two most influential organs.”
He conveyed deep appreciation for their support and reiterated his dedication to serving the community in any way possible.
Speaker Abbas further revealed plans for the establishment of four new institutions in the city, which will enhance its educational infrastructure and provide critical resources for the region.
Among the major developments, a Federal College of Education is set to be constructed following the successful upgrade of the existing College of Education into a university, a state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences will be established in response to the growing demand for nurses and midwives in Zaria and the broader northwestern region of Nigeria.
He also shared plans to establish a National Open University campus in Zaria to cater to the needs of civil servants and other individuals unable to participate in conventional educational systems.
Furthermore, a College of Legal Studies will also be part of the new institutions being developed.
“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,” Speaker Abbas noted, emphasizing the importance of these projects to the future of the region.
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.
His words; “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.
“The groundbreaking ceremonies and the continued development of Zaria’s educational institutions mark a pivotal moment in the city’s history, reinforcing its reputation as a beacon of learning in Nigeria. A lot of projects beginning from 2023 supplementary budget to 2024 are 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 mobilized for various projects, particularly projects have done very, very well. Because of time constraints, of course, what we have seen is not even up to 10% of the projects that we have on the ground. But from the little I have seen; I think they are doing well.”
Speaking further on the benefits of projects to his constituents, he 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 what have you, it captures almost all aspects of human endeavor.
He said: “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 the projects that we have brought together.”
On the construction of bridge in Abba Village which was destroyed by insurgents since 2014, the Speaker said that the bridge will be completed between six months to one year, adding that the project has been fully paid for.
According to him, “I asked the contractor when I visited the place. 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 – what the contractor needs to utilize.
“So, he doesn’t have to wait for another budget cycle for him to access money to finish. Everything has been provided under the 2024 appropriation bill. So hopefully between June next year to December next year, we are hoping that that place will be completely ready for use.”
Furthermore, on the expectation of more projects in Zaria, Abbas said: “God willing, the people of Zaria will witness another piece of history. Because tomorrow, we are going to do the groundbreaking of four gigantic projects in Zaria. School of, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, College of Legal Studies, and National Open University projects.
“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.”
(This Day)
