Group criticizes allocation of four new federal institutions to Zaria

The Kaduna State chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has raised concerns over the allocation of four new federal institutions to Zaria, facilitated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Luka Binniyat, the group described the decision as “insensitive and inconsiderate” toward other zones in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna.

According to the MBF, the groundbreaking ceremony for these institutions, held on December 15, 2024, revealed an allocation of N80 billion for their construction, with completion expected within 18 months.

The institutions include the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, the Federal College of Education, the Federal Open University, and the Federal College of Legal Studies.

The Forum highlighted Zaria’s already significant number of federal institutions, such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology.

With the addition of these four institutions, Zaria will host 15 federal educational facilities, compared to just one in Southern Kaduna—the Federal School of Statistics, Manchok.

The MBF noted that Southern Kaduna, which spans 57% of the state’s landmass and accounts for 52.1% of its population, continues to face marginalization in federal educational infrastructure.

The group questioned the legislative process behind the establishment of these institutions, citing a lack of transparency and the absence of public hearings.

“The Speaker, as a national figure, must recognize that his responsibilities extend beyond Zaria town to the entire country, particularly Kaduna State,” the statement read. The MBF called on Speaker Abbas to ensure equitable development across the state and urged for more inclusive governance.

The Forum further encouraged Southern Kaduna residents to leverage their numerical strength to push for greater political representation, urging them to overcome what it described as a “minority complex” during elections.

Finally, the MBF appealed to the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu to address the “prohibitive favoritism” displayed in the allocation process and to ensure fair treatment for Southern Kaduna.