Seven More Tertiary Institutions Coming to Zaria in 2025 — Reps Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has announced that seven new tertiary institutions will be established in Zaria, Kaduna State, by 2025. This development is expected to expand access to higher education, create job opportunities, and boost the local economy.

Expansion of Educational Opportunities

According to Speaker Abbas, the establishment of these institutions aligns with the government’s commitment to improving the education sector and addressing the growing demand for higher learning opportunities in Nigeria. He emphasized that the new institutions will cater to various academic and vocational disciplines, ensuring that students in Zaria and surrounding areas have a wider range of study options.

The Speaker noted that the initiative is part of a broader plan to bridge the gap in tertiary education by creating more learning centers across the country. With increasing competition for admission into existing universities, polytechnics, and colleges, the additional institutions will help accommodate more students and reduce pressure on the few available slots in federal and state-owned schools.

Boost for Zaria’s Economy and Infrastructure

Beyond education, the establishment of these institutions is expected to stimulate economic growth in Zaria. With thousands of students, faculty, and administrative staff expected to enroll and work in these schools, the local economy will benefit from increased commercial activities, including housing, transportation, and small businesses.

The presence of multiple higher institutions will also encourage infrastructure development, with roads, hostels, and other essential facilities likely to receive upgrades to meet the needs of the expanding academic community. Additionally, the initiative is expected to attract investment in education-related industries, such as publishing, research centers, and technology hubs.

Federal Government’s Support and Legislative Backing

Speaker Abbas assured that the House of Representatives is working closely with the Federal Government to ensure the smooth establishment of the institutions. He mentioned that necessary legislation and budgetary allocations will be provided to facilitate the takeoff of the schools. The National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other regulatory agencies will oversee the accreditation and operational framework for the new institutions.

Furthermore, the Speaker emphasized the importance of partnerships with private sector stakeholders and international donors to support funding and infrastructural development. He encouraged education-focused organizations to collaborate with the government in providing scholarships, research grants, and other academic support programs.

Academic Disciplines and Specializations

While the specific details of the institutions have not been fully disclosed, it is expected that the new schools will cover a range of disciplines, including sciences, technology, engineering, agriculture, and vocational training. Some of the proposed institutions may include specialized universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics aimed at equipping students with practical skills relevant to Nigeria’s development.

Education stakeholders in Zaria have welcomed the announcement, noting that it will reinforce the town’s reputation as an academic hub. Zaria is already home to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, and the addition of seven more institutions will further strengthen its position as a leading center for higher learning in the country.

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

The legislative and administrative processes required to establish the institutions are expected to be finalized within the year, with plans for construction and recruitment of academic staff beginning in early 2025. Lawmakers and education officials have assured that due diligence will be followed to ensure that the institutions meet global standards.

With education remaining a priority for national development, the initiative to establish more tertiary institutions in Zaria is seen as a strategic move to empower young Nigerians with knowledge and skills necessary for the future.