Middle Belt Forum Criticizes Abbas Over Placement of New Institutions in Zaria
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State chapter, has voiced strong opposition to the decision to establish four new federal institutions in Zaria, raising concerns over alleged marginalization of other parts of Kaduna, especially Southern Kaduna. The group has specifically pointed fingers at the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, for this development.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Forum, led by Chairman Mr. Luka Binniyat, expressed disappointment over the decision, despite acknowledging the positive aspects of the new institutions. According to the MBF, the move is insensitive and dismissive of other regions, particularly the Middle Belt area of Kaduna State, which includes Southern Kaduna.
The Forum highlighted the media coverage surrounding the groundbreaking ceremony for the new institutions, which took place on December 15, 2024, in Zaria. During the event, Speaker Abbas announced the allocation of N80 billion for the construction of the institutions, with an expected completion timeline of 18 months. The new schools include the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Federal College of Education, Federal Open University, and Federal College of Legal Studies.
The MBF criticized the decision, pointing out that Zaria, already home to about 15 federal institutions, would see four additional schools. In contrast, the MBF noted that Kaduna town, despite being a central hub for Zone 2, has no fewer than 10 federal institutions, while Southern Kaduna, encompassing 12 local government areas across Zones 2 and 3, hosts just one federal institution: the Federal School of Statistics in Manchok. Additionally, the region lacks other major federal institutions, such as those dedicated to military training in Kachia.
The Forum expressed its concerns to Nigerians, the National Assembly, and President Bola Tinubu, decrying what it views as “excessive favoritism” toward one small area of the state, to the detriment of the larger population. It also questioned the processes surrounding the establishment of the new federal schools, pointing out that the bills for these institutions had not been presented at any plenary sessions in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, nor had any public hearings been held.
The MBF contrasted this with the Bill for the establishment of the University of Applied Sciences in Manchok, Southern Kaduna, which had undergone intense public scrutiny, including a public hearing. The Forum expressed confusion over why no similar transparency was applied to the new institutions in Zaria.
The group also reminded Speaker Abbas that his role as Speaker of the House of Representatives means his constituency extends beyond Zaria and encompasses all of Kaduna State. The MBF urged Southern Kaduna residents to unite and push for fair treatment in the state, warning that divided votes in general elections would continue to leave them at a disadvantage.
In closing, the MBF emphasized the need for Southern Kaduna to overcome the “minority complex” it has struggled with, urging the region to take full advantage of its numerical strength to secure a better position in the state’s power dynamics.
