Nigeria’s House Speaker Unveils Fully Funded Scholarships and New Education Infrastructure to Boost Skill Development

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has unveiled a fully funded scholarship programme for 250 students pursuing National Diploma, Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes in Leather Technology at the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, where the Speaker also commenced construction on six major projects designed to drive economic growth, skills development and educational advancement across the Zaria Federal Constituency.

Six New Institutions and Infrastructure Projects Flagged Off

Speaker Abbas performed the groundbreaking for 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. He described the interventions as the beginning of a new era of progress for the constituency.

According to the Speaker, the College of Agriculture and Animal Science will enhance food production, livestock development and agribusiness training. He emphasised that agriculture remains key to the local economy and plays a vital role in national security, noting that addressing hunger contributes to social stability.

Strengthening Technical Skills, Sports Development and Leadership Capacity

Speaking on the planned Technical and Vocational Training College, Abbas said the institution would equip young people with practical skills in technology, construction and the automotive industry. He noted that such training is essential for job creation and economic competitiveness.

He added that the Sports Academy will nurture talent, support physical and mental development and promote discipline among young people. The Speaker highlighted the economic potential of sports globally, stressing that the academy will give youth alternative pathways to success.

On the Centre for Management Development, Abbas explained that it will serve as a leadership hub to train professionals who can support governance, institutional growth and national development.

He further stated that the Women’s Development Centre will empower women through entrepreneurship training, health awareness programmes and support for their participation in economic and social activities.

New Hostels to Strengthen Research and Leather Technology Development

The Speaker announced that the new male and female hostels at NILEST were part of his commitment to improving research and expanding training opportunities in the leather and science technology sector. He noted that strengthening this industry can unlock major industrial potential and create job opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians.

He added that the 250 fully funded scholarships will remove financial barriers, support academic excellence and attract more students into a sector with global relevance.

A Vision for Zaria’s Growth

Speaker Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Zaria as Nigeria’s leading centre of learning, skills development and enterprise. He stated that his goal is to enhance the constituency’s role as a peaceful and opportunity-driven region where every young person can thrive.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was attended by several government officials and lawmakers, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Welfare and Services, Hon. Amos Daniel; Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi; Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Richifa; the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas; APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Garba Datti Muhammad; and the Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad.