The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has unveiled a fully funded scholarship programme for 250 students enrolled in Higher National Diploma (HND), Ordinary National Diploma (OND), and National Diploma courses in Leather Technology at the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria.
In addition to the scholarships, Speaker Abbas also launched the construction of six major development projects across the Zaria Federal Constituency. These include:
A 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
New male and female hostels at NILEST
Speaking during the ceremony at the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, the Speaker described the initiatives as the dawn of a new era of progress for the constituency.
“This is a chapter built on vision and rooted in the collective hope of our people,” he said. “It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our shared belief that Zaria deserves the very best.”
Agriculture and National Stability
Explaining the importance of the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Speaker Abbas noted that agriculture remains the lifeline of the constituency’s economy.
“With this institution, our youth will gain modern skills in crop production, livestock management, and agribusiness. They will become part of the future of food security in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that agriculture also contributes to national stability, as hunger and insecurity are closely linked.
Empowering Youth Through Skills
On the Technical and Vocational Training College, Abbas said it would equip young people with hands-on skills relevant to modern industries such as construction, technology, and automotive sectors.
He also highlighted the significance of the planned Sports Academy:
“Sports unite people, create discipline, and inspire hope. They give young people an alternative path and can become major economic drivers.”
Building Leaders and Empowering Women
The Centre for Management Development, he explained, would serve as a training hub for future leaders, helping build capacity for governance and national growth.
The Women’s Development Centre will focus on entrepreneurship, health awareness, and skills training aimed at promoting women’s full participation in social and economic life.
“Empowered women raise empowered families and build stronger communities,” Abbas noted.
Supporting Technical Research
According to him, the new male and female hostels at NILEST are part of his broader effort to improve technical education, a sector with the potential to generate thousands of jobs.
Scholarships for Industrial Growth
The Speaker said the scholarships would eliminate financial barriers and encourage enrollment in leather technology—an industry with substantial global market potential.
“Nigeria must not be left behind. Zaria must not be left out,” he emphasized.
Abbas reiterated his long-term vision:
“We will consolidate Zaria’s position as Nigeria’s premier learning centre, expand its capacity for skills development, and ensure it remains a place of peace and opportunity for every family.”
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by top government officials including:
Hon. Amos Daniel, Chairman, House Committee on Welfare and Services
Hon. Aminu Balele Kurfi, Chairman, House Committee on Army
Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Richifa, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Aviation
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas
APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad
Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, Chairman, Zaria Local Government
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