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Abbas Celebrates Establishment of Four New Higher Institutions in Zaria
By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
House of Representatives, Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, at the Weekend, celebrated the establishment of four new higher institutions of learning in Zaria, Kaduna state.
The institutions as announced by the Speaker were a Federal College of Education, a state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies.
Abbas expressed his joy over the new institutions while addressing executive members of the Zaria Educational and Development Association (ZEDA) at the weekend in Zaria.
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. While he also unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize the educational landscape of Zaria.
He said: “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.
Speaking on the 2025 budget, Speaker Abbas emphasized the importance of the upcoming budget and called 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,” he stated. There will be a groundbreaking ceremony set for Sunday the 15th of December 2024 which will mark a historic day for Zaria’s educational sector.
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.
Additionally, 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.
“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.
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.
Speaking also to journalists during the inspection of the projects in Zaria, the Speaker said so far, a 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 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, 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 what have you, it captures almost all aspects of human endeavor.
“Anything that you can possibly think of 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.
Speaking on the construction of a bridge in Abba village which was destroyed by insurgents in 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.
“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.
Speaking further on the expectation of more projects in Zaria, Abbas said: “Tomorrow, 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.
By David, Torough Abuja
The National Working Committee of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Enugu state working committees are at the verge of losing out in the 2027 Governorship elections in the state as political parties commence the process of uploading the Governorship and state Assembly candidates .
The fears are on the back of a six count-charge against its candidate for the Governorship election and former minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned the former Minister on a six-count charge for alleged certificate forgery, money laundering, and abuse of office.
Although Nnaji pleaded not guilty and was granted a ₦20 million bail.
His charges, outlined in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, include the following key allegations were Certificate Forgery .
According to the charge sheet, Nnaji allegedly forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening.
ICPC also charged him for fraud and money laundering, ICPC claiming he fraudulently received N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while in office and conferred corrupt advantage upon himself.
The former minister resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet in October 2025 when the allegations refused to varnish .
Following his arraignment by the ICPC, the court adjourned the trial to September 21, 2026.
Some civil society groups and supporters of the party have continued to express concerns that the integrity of the party in Enugu state should be protected by fielding credible candidates in all the elections .
The concerns also centered on a possible weak moral ground that would confer additional advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state should the former minister remain on the ballot .
The concerns are equally that should the PDP wins the Enugu Governorship elections in 2027 , the victory will be upturned in the court .
Those concerned cited the case of David Lion of Bayelsa state who’s victory was upturned by the supreme court hours before he was sworn in on the grounds of forgery .
The Defence for Democracy has being in the fore front of that caution and declared that ,”opposition parties have a duty to field candidates that have clean records”.
The civil society in a press statement by Dr Emeka Nwachukwu said ,”the risk the PDP is taking in Enugu is not the kind of risk that an opposition should take and they should learn from what happened in Bayelsa state.”
By David Torough, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State to embrace reconciliation, unity and mutual respect as the foundation for strengthening the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Technical Assistant (Research & Strategy) to the Minister Saidu Ahmed in Abuja.
The Minister made the call on Saturday at the Niger State APC Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the Governor of Niger State, Rt.
Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, at the Government House in Minna.Addressing party leaders and members, Idris urged stakeholders to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the party, the state and the nation.
“Let us heal our divisions and strengthen our democracy. Political differences should never be allowed to undermine our collective interest or the progress of Niger State. We must close ranks and work together in the spirit of unity, brotherhood and shared responsibility,” he said.
The Minister noted that democracy thrives when leaders place the common good above personal interests, adding that the APC’s continued success at both the national and state levels depends on dialogue, inclusiveness and internal cohesion.
He commended Governor Bago for convening the meeting, describing it as a timely opportunity for consultation, reconciliation and renewed commitment to the ideals of the APC.
Idris also highlighted key achievements of the Tinubu Administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has enabled over one million Nigerian students to access higher education, the growth of Nigeria’s foreign reserves to about $50 billion, and the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of more than 2,000 kilometres of roads nationwide, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic intervention that will unlock economic opportunities, particularly in Northern Nigeria, while boosting agriculture, livestock production and food security.
The Minister urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu and Governor Bago in their efforts to deliver sustainable development and improve the lives of citizens.
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Information Minister Congratulates Omoniyi Ibietan on Re-election as APRA Secretary General
By David Torough, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has congratulated Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan on his re-election as Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the public relations profession in Africa.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim.
According to the statement, Ibietan was re-elected at the APRA General Assembly held in Swakopmund, Namibia, alongside Mr Arik Karani of Kenya as President and Professor Michele Mekeme of Cameroon as Vice President.
In a congratulatory message, the Minister said Dr Ibietan’s re-election reflects the confidence that public relations professionals across Africa have in his leadership and in his capacity to advance the Association’s vision.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I congratulate Dr Omoniyi Ibietan on his well-deserved re-election as Secretary General of APRA. This honour is not only a recognition of his professional excellence but also a source of pride for Nigeria and the entire communications community,” the Minister said.
Idris expressed confidence that Dr Ibietan would continue to provide purposeful leadership as APRA deepens collaboration across the continent and supports Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
The Minister also commended APRA for its commitment to strengthening the public relations profession and promoting ethical communication across Africa, noting that Nigeria looks forward to hosting the 37th APRA Annual Conference alongside the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja later this year.
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