*How Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is Rewriting the Educational Future of Zaria Through Bold Investments and Inclusive Dev...
*How Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is Rewriting the Educational Future of Zaria Through Bold Investments and Inclusive Development
By Bldr. Ishaq Msani – Secretary, Zaria Education City Project
ishaqsanie@gmail.com
A milestone marked by progress: the Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, celebrates his two-year anniversary in office. Constituents and stakeholders are reflecting on a tenure defined by transformative change—especially in the education sector. The milestone celebration, sponsored by Zaria federal constituents, comes at a time of visible and measurable progress across Zaria and its environs.
Bldr. Ishaq, Secretary of the Zaria Education City Project, described the Speaker’s leadership between June 2023 and June 2025 as a turning point:
“I am honoured, under an impactful working relationship with Engr. Jamil, the Executive Chairman of Zaria, and Mal. Ilyas Balarabe, DCOS, to highlight the significant strides made under the Speaker’s leadership, particularly in educational development.”
Strategic vision in infrastructure, human capital development, and employment are at the core of Speaker Abbas’ achievements, with three strategic pillars: Zaria as an Educational Hub, Urban City Advancement, and Job Creation.
Bldr. Ishaq noted that these pillars drive the ongoing development of the Zaria Education City Project, launched in December 2024. Currently over 40% completed, the project integrates three key federal tertiary institutions: Federal College of Education, Federal College of Health Sciences, and the Zaria campus of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). These institutions are set to redefine Zaria’s academic landscape, improve learning access, and position the city as a model for educational excellence.
In light of the foregoing, significant progress has been made at the College of Health Sciences site, including the construction of an administrative block, a modern clinic, state-of-the-art lecture halls and a theatre, as well as male and female hostels.
For the Federal College of Education, key infrastructure being developed includes an administrative block, a student centre, theatres and lecture halls, blocks of one-suspended-floor classrooms, a comprehensive sports complex, and a well-equipped library.
The construction of the National Open University site is also advancing steadily, with ongoing works on an administrative block, a theatre, lecture halls, and a library.
The Zaria Education City Project—an ₦80 billion legacy in motion—is more than just a project; it is a legacy. Key supporting infrastructure such as a 40-bed hospital and a new police station have already been completed and are ready for commissioning.
“These are not just buildings,” said Bldr. Ishaq. “They represent a new era of learning, safety, and community wellness.”
The Zaria Education City Project also offers over 50 I.T. students and graduate trainees a sound technical bridge between construction theory and practice for practical experience—a reflection of the Speaker’s vision, expertise, and dedication to excellence, particularly in nurturing young generational leaders within and outside the Zaria Federal Constituency.
In addition, thousands of jobs are currently being created for local artisans. Beyond the physical transformation, the Speaker’s efforts have generated over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for local artisans, including masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled professionals. These jobs have contributed not only to the project but also to the livelihoods of families and the broader Zaria economy.
“The Zaria community-based workforce is a reflection of Speaker Abbas’ commitment to inclusive development,” Bldr. Ishaq emphasised.
Hundreds of both primary and secondary schools are being renovated and upgraded in a wider effort to reinforce Zaria’s identity as a “center of learning.” The approach supports holistic education through improved infrastructure, sustainability, and inclusiveness.
“City advancement now depends on an educational ecosystem that integrates innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning,” said Bldr. Ishaq.
Beyond Politics: Speaker Abbas’ leadership of results and impact transcends political rhetoric. His work, backed by collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, has resulted in one of the most progressive tenures in Zaria Federal Constituency since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
“Throughout these two years, he has consistently prioritized his people’s needs—whether in education, infrastructure, or job creation,” Bldr. Ishaq added.
Withstanding Baseless Criticism, Opposition, and Upholding Integrity: Speaker Abbas has remained resolute and focused, earning praise as a symbol of patriotism, principle, and public service.
“Figures like Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, remind us that real leadership is about selfless service, not personal gain,” Ishaq noted.
Higher Institutions and Federal Investments: Recent figures from the Zaria Federal Constituency Office show that over ₦5 billion in federal projects are currently earmarked for Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and its campuses. These include: a solar mini-grid installation, rehabilitation of Kongo Sports Complex, a new building for the Faculty of Social Sciences, and broader modernization at the Samaru campus.
Additionally, the Federal College of Education is being upgraded to a Federal University of Education, and major investments have been made in:
Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT)
Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
Federal College of Agriculture
Federal Veterinary and Animal Husbandry School
Federal Technical College
Centre for Management Development
Technology Incubation Centre
Four new Federal Secondary Schools
Schools for students with disabilities (Primary and Secondary)
Also included is a Special Scholarship Scheme for 3,000 Zazzau students, supported through dedicated endowment funds.
Speaker Abbas Exemplifies Collective Leadership for Shared Success: Bldr. Ishaq credited the achievements to collaborative leadership, including: President Bola Tinubu, GCON; Governor Malam Uba Sani, CON; and Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad (Executive Chairman, Zaria).
This success is also attributed to the efforts of the Speaker’s team and honorary advisers, including: Mal. Iliyas Balarabe (Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration), Alh. AT Ramalan (SA, Monitoring & Evaluation), Prof. Muhammad Shafiu Abdullahi (Chairman, Zaria Education City Establishment Committee), Bar. Aysha Ahmad Mohammad, Prof. M.L. Amin (Chairman, Education Committee), Alh. Ismail Yesko (SA, Chief Constituency Office), among several other distinguished personalities—demonstrating their commitment to fostering employment and economic growth in Zaria and Nigeria at large.
“Together, they have shown how strategic partnerships can fast-track development and create lasting impact,” he said.
“A Legacy in the Making: Speaker Abbas’ tenure has already generated over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, expanded access to quality education, and modernized infrastructure across Zaria. His dedication to sustainable development has positioned Zaria as a national educational beacon.”
“Speaker Abbas' achievements may be misunderstood, but their impact is undeniable. This two-year milestone reflects a legacy that will benefit generations,” Bldr. Ishaq concluded.
May Zaria and Speaker Abbas continue to succeed.
May Nigeria succeed.
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