By The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Saturday announced a fully funded scholarship programme for 250 students studying 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.
The Speaker also broke ground for six major development projects across the Zaria Federal Constituency. These include a new 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 newly constructed male and female hostels at NILEST.
Speaking during the event at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Speaker Abbas said the initiatives signal the beginning of a transformative era for the constituency.
“This is a new chapter built on a clear vision and the collective hopes of our people. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects our belief that Zaria deserves the best,” he said.
He explained that the College of Agriculture and Animal Science was conceived because agriculture remains central to the local economy. The institution, he noted, will empower young people with modern knowledge in crop production, livestock management, and agribusiness.
“Agriculture is tied to national security. Hunger drives instability, so strengthening this sector is vital for economic growth and regional stability,” he added.
On the technical and vocational training college, the Speaker stated that it would equip young people with hands-on skills relevant to technology, construction, automotive work, and other industries.
He said the sports academy would serve as a hub for physical training, talent development, mentorship, and character building.
“Sports inspire discipline, teamwork, and hope. They give young people alternative pathways and act as a strong unifying force,” he said.
The Speaker also highlighted the significance of the Centre for Management Development, describing it as a future leadership incubator that will enhance governance capacity and produce professionals who can drive national development.
He said the Women’s Development Centre will promote entrepreneurship, generate income opportunities, strengthen health awareness, and empower women to fully participate in economic and social life.
“Empowered women raise stronger families, build better communities, and strengthen the nation,” he noted.
On the new hostels at NILEST, Speaker Abbas said they are part of his commitment to expand research capacity and promote technical education, a sector with the potential to create thousands of jobs.
Announcing the scholarship scheme, he said the initiative was designed to “remove financial obstacles, encourage academic excellence, and channel young Nigerians into a sector with massive industrial prospects.”
He emphasized the rising global demand for leather technology, stressing that Nigeria and Zaria in particular must position itself strategically.
According to him, his broader vision is to reinforce Zaria’s status as a leading educational hub, a centre for skills development, and a place of peace and opportunity.
“The projects we are starting today are steps toward strengthening Zaria as a centre of learning, enterprise, and innovation,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event included 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); the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas; APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad; and Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, Chairman of Zaria Local Government, among others.
