News
Speaker Abbas Urges Alternative Education Funding, Less Reliance on Govt
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/images-13-1.jpeg&description=Speaker Abbas Urges Alternative Education Funding, Less Reliance on Govt', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/images-13-1.jpeg&description=Speaker Abbas Urges Alternative Education Funding, Less Reliance on Govt', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
…advocate PPP, endowment at ZEDA AGM
By Gloria Ikiba
The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for diversified funding sources in Nigeria’s education sector to reduce dependence on government allocations.
He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable alternatives to sustain and improve education financing.
Speaker Abbas made this call on Saturday during the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He was also honoured by constituents for his contributions to society.
As Chairman of the combined AGM, Abbas encouraged ZEDA to explore various funding opportunities to support educational development.
The Speaker stated that human capital development remains the cornerstone of our national progress, citing the examples of Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark, which have achieved remarkable progress.
He said: “Diversifying funding streams is critical as well. By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector”.
“They have done so not by relying solely on natural resources but by investing heavily in education, training, and innovation. Their success is reflected in their high rankings on the Human Development Index and ease of doing business.
“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritise the development of its people to realise its full potential”.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored Zaria’s long-standing educational legacy, tracing back to the 16th century, as a cornerstone of academic excellence and national development.
Recognized as home to Ahmadu Bello University and several other institutions, he highlighted Zaria’s vital contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape.
“Our collective history compels us to safeguard and expand this legacy for future generations,” said Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency. He noted that several new educational initiatives he facilitated would significantly enhance learning opportunities in Kaduna State and beyond.
Among these are a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies. “Once fully operational, these institutions will drive both educational and socio-economic progress within our community,” he stated.
However, Abbas stressed the need to tackle obstacles hindering educational growth, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and noted challenges such as out-of-school children, support for learners with special needs, and overall education quality as urgent issues requiring attention.
He said: “I commend the proactive measures by Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State. The efforts have notably reduced the number of out-of-school children through the construction of over 62 new secondary schools, thereby addressing critical infrastructure deficits.
“Looking ahead, it is imperative that ZEDA continuously evolves to meet emerging challenges. Successful models, such as the United Kingdom Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, have shown the benefits of embracing digital innovation.
“ZEDA should integrate technology in order to transform how we monitor educational outcomes, facilitate virtual training for teachers, and expand access to learning resources. By doing so, we can connect stakeholders, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.”
In the House of Representatives, the Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda is aligned with these priorities.
He said: “We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms that address both current and future challenges.”
Speaker Abbas hailed the Grand Patron of ZEDA , His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, for his “fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment have been a beacon for ZEDA.”
Later, Emir Bamalli thanked the Speaker and other prominent indigenes of Zaria for their developmental strides in the ancient city. The monarch emphasised the importance of ZEDA to Zaria, while seeking more support from stakeholders.
By Gloria Ikiba
The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for diversified funding sources in Nigeria’s education sector to reduce dependence on government allocations.
He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable alternatives to sustain and improve education financing.
Speaker Abbas made this call on Saturday during the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He was also honoured by constituents for his contributions to society.
As Chairman of the combined AGM, Abbas encouraged ZEDA to explore various funding opportunities to support educational development.
The Speaker stated that human capital development remains the cornerstone of our national progress, citing the examples of Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark, which have achieved remarkable progress.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored Zaria’s long-standing educational legacy, tracing back to the 16th century, as a cornerstone of academic excellence and national development.
Recognized as home to Ahmadu Bello University and several other institutions, he highlighted Zaria’s vital contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape.
“Our collective history compels us to safeguard and expand this legacy for future generations,” said Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency. He noted that several new educational initiatives he facilitated would significantly enhance learning opportunities in Kaduna State and beyond.
Among these are a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies. “Once fully operational, these institutions will drive both educational and socio-economic progress within our community,” he stated.
However, Abbas stressed the need to tackle obstacles hindering educational growth, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and noted challenges such as out-of-school children, support for learners with special needs, and overall education quality as urgent issues requiring attention.
A prominent public affairs analyst, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, has called for the immediate suspension and possible termination of all processes related to the proposed sale of a 40 per cent stake in the Amukpe–Escravos Pipeline, warning that proceeding under the current terms would amount to a “giveaway” of a strategic national asset.
Ikechukwu, Executive Director of the Development Specs Academy, made the remarks during an interview on Tuesday on Arise News, where he questioned the pricing, procedure, and transparency surrounding the transaction.
According to him, Nigeria is not in such financial distress as to justify disposing of a critical infrastructure asset at what he described as a “giveaway price.”
“If that is allowed to happen, it means there is no governance,” he said. “It means that people can exercise arbitrary discretion. It means that processes can be routinely violated.”
His intervention comes amid mounting controversy over the valuation of the pipeline asset. Independent assessments conducted in 2025 reportedly valued the 40 per cent stake at between $544 million and $641 million, more than double the $243 million offer associated with a transaction that collapsed in October 2024.
Ikechukwu argued that any attempt to revive or proceed with the sale on the basis of disputed or outdated valuation benchmarks would undermine due process and public confidence.
“We are not under any desperate need to sell it at a giveaway price, and that’s what appears to be happening here,” he said. “If that is allowed to happen, then it means there is no governance.”
Describing the pipeline as a “performing national asset,” the analyst noted that the facility reportedly maintains operational uptime levels of as high as 95 per cent.
“If you must sell a performing national asset, it must be sold at the right value,” he stated.
To illustrate his concerns, Ikechukwu compared the situation to a failed private land transaction later revived at an outdated price, arguing that such a practice would be unacceptable in any credible commercial environment.
He further warned that proceeding without an updated valuation process could damage investor confidence and weaken perceptions of regulatory integrity.
“But beyond all of that, where will investor confidence be?” he asked. “If you are a lender, how do you feel in this kind of environment? It might even be interpreted as sabotage.”
Beyond the question of pricing, Ikechukwu said the larger issue at stake was institutional credibility and adherence to due process.
“If that is allowed to happen, it means there is no governance,” he reiterated. “It means that people can exercise arbitrary discretion. It means that processes can be routinely violated.”
The development expert consequently called for an immediate halt to all ongoing steps connected to the proposed transaction.
“All processes leading up to the presumed attempt to sell it now should be stopped,” he said. “Quite frankly, terminated. An independent evaluation should take place so that we know the current value of what is on the table and ensure that the country does not lose money in the process.”
News
Edo South Senatorial District: Massive endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama as APC sole candidate for 2027 (Video)
The coast is now clear as Edo South APC formally endorse seasoned lawmaker, Hon Omorgie Ogbeide-Ihama as sole candidate of the District in 2027.
The massive adoption was led by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Denis Idahosa confirming the fact that no room for any aspirant from the district.
Watch:
Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage and concern following reports of a proposed $1.25 billion loan linked to the administration of , sparking intense debate over the country’s rising debt profile and economic direction.
The reactions, which trended heavily on X, formerly known as Twitter, saw users storming the comment sections of the with mixed opinions on Nigeria’s continued borrowing and fiscal management.
Many commenters strongly opposed the reported loan move, arguing that additional borrowing would worsen economic hardship and deepen the country’s debt burden.
Advertisement
nlng
Some of the reactions included:
@yengoblog9ja: “Don’t borrow Tinubu’s money again they want to finish Nigerians ooh”
@captbobyi01: “Please do not borrow @officialasiwajubat any loan, I repeat do not borrow Tinubu and his son any money.”
@realkingdavid: “Please 🙏 don’t borrow Tinubu’s loan again please he is using the money to kill us in the country 🇳🇬”
@pr_eci0us2291: “Please stop borrowing our president.”
Others criticised government spending priorities and questioned accountability in public finance management.
Advertisement
Ad image
@BIG_Mayana7: “They should not borrow his a s s any loans again, they are using the money to buy expensive vehicles for themselves.”
@Marjix_: “If we had responsible leaders… revenue from taxes and subsidy removal would develop the nation.”
Some users, however, argued that borrowing is a standard economic practice globally and should not automatically be condemned.
@GloryUyimse: “The world runs on DEBT and no bank wants you to repay your loans.”
@cossyb: “If they stop World Bank from borrowing… We’ll pay it ourselves for free… abeg make una allow them borrow o.”
Others blamed leadership failures and governance issues rather than the loans themselves.
@Shayolala: “Find out who they are na dem dem… yet they can’t hold their so-called failed leaders accountable.”
@NigIsland: “A man who refuses to mend his roof in the rain will not decide the weather by shouting at the clouds.”
The online reactions reflect growing public sensitivity over Nigeria’s debt situation amid ongoing economic reforms, inflationary pressures, and concerns over living costs under the current administration.
Prominent Analyst Calls for Immediate Halt to Amukpe–Escravos Pipeline Sale Process
Edo South Senatorial District: Massive endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama as APC sole candidate for 2027 (Video)
Netizens ask World Bank to stop borrowing TInubu money over reported $1.25 bn Loan Plan
-
Entertainment14 hours agoSad: Real cause of death of popular movie star, Ekubo finally revealed
-
News23 hours agoBREAKING: Popular Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo is dead
-
Entertainment8 hours ago
Nollywood poster boy Alexx Ekubo had a prepared will before his demise
-
Entertainment13 hours ago
Emeka Rollas, Kate Henshaw, Others Mourn as Details Emerge on How Alexx Ekubo Died at 40
-
News13 hours agoFG orders varsities to suspend drug offenders
-
News23 hours agoElectricity Costs May go up Again as NERC Defends Tariff Review Plan
-
Metro13 hours agoPastor Fails To Resurrect From Death After Instructing Church Members To Bury Him Alive
-
Health13 hours agoMore Hantavirus cases may emerge in coming weeks — WHO
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login