The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Saturday unveiled a fully funded scholarship scheme for about 250 students pursuing Higher National Diploma, Ordinary National Diploma, and National Diploma programmes in Leather Technology at the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria.
The Speaker also performed the groundbreaking of six major developmental projects in the Zaria Federal Constituency. The projects include the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, a Sports Academy, a Technical and Vocational Training College, a Centre for Management Development, a Women’s Development Centre, and new male and female hostels at NILEST.
Speaking at the event held at the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Speaker Abbas said the initiatives marked the beginning of a new wave of growth and transformation for the constituency.
“It is a chapter built on vision. It is built on the collective hope of our people. It is rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It is inspired by our shared belief that Zaria deserves the very best.”
Speaker Abbas said he facilitated the College of Agriculture and Animal Science because “Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy” adding that “With this institution, our youth will gain modern skills in crop production. They will learn livestock management. They will study agribusiness. They will become part of the future of food security in Nigeria.
“Agriculture is also linked to national security because hunger fuels instability. This college, therefore, contributes not only to the growth of our economy but also to the stability of our region.”
Speaking on the importance of the technical and vocational training college, the Speaker said it would provide the youth with the platform to acquire practical skills directly linked to technology, construction, the automotive industry, among others.
On the sports academy, he noted that it would provide physical training and coaching facilities, support mental development, nurture talent, and give the youth a foundation for growth and character building.
“Sports unite people. Sports create discipline and focus. Sports give young people an alternative path. In many countries, sports have become major economic drivers. In our community, sports inspire hope. Young people see possibilities. They learn teamwork. They stay engaged.”
The centre for management development, the Speaker said, would “serve as a training hub for future leaders. It will strengthen the capacity for governance. It will produce professionals who will support national growth. Leadership is critical to development, and this institution will help build the next generation of leaders.”
As for the Women’s Development Centre, the Speaker said it would provide training, support entrepreneurship, promote health awareness, and strengthen women’s capacity to participate fully in social and economic life because “empowered women raise empowered families, build stronger communities, and strengthen nations.”
Speaker Abbas added that the new male and female hostels at NILEST are part of his commitment to strengthen research, saying the hostels would support technical learning, a sector that can generate jobs for thousands of young people.
He stated that the scholarships would “remove financial barriers, reward excellence, and encourage more young people to enter a sector with significant industrial potential. Leather technology is a global industry. Nigeria must not be left out. Zaria must not be left out.”
He said his vision is clear, which is to consolidate Zaria’s position as Nigeria’s premier centre of learning.
“We will also enhance its role as a hub of skills. We will build its capacity as a centre of enterprise. We will deepen its reputation as a haven of peace. And we will ensure it remains a place of opportunity for every child and every family. The projects we begin today will advance this vision.”
Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Amos Daniel, Chairman, House Committee on Welfare and Services; Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi, Chairman, House Committee on Army; Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Richifa, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Aviation; the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas; APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad; Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, Chairman, Zaria Local Government, among others.
