The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has voiced strong objections to the siting of four new federal institutions in Zaria, Kaduna State, accusing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, of marginalizing other areas of the state, particularly Southern Kaduna. In a statement released on Sunday, MBF chairman Mr. Luka Binniyat called the move a stark reminder of the “prohibitive favoritism” that a select region of the state is experiencing at the expense of the majority.
The four institutions—a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, a Federal College of Education, a Federal Open University, and a Federal College of Legal Studies—were recently announced during a groundbreaking ceremony in Zaria. Speaker Abbas revealed that N80 billion was allocated for their construction, with a projected completion time of 18 months.
While the MBF recognizes the positive implications of such developments, the group strongly criticized the concentration of federal institutions in Zaria, which already boasts over 15 federal educational establishments. This concentration, they argue, leaves Southern Kaduna, which spans across 12 local government areas, with only a single federal institution—the Federal School of Statistics in Manchok.
“The allocation of four more institutions to Zaria, already home to a plethora of federal schools, is an act of insensitivity and inconsideration for the people of Southern Kaduna,” said Binniyat. “Zaria is already overburdened with federal institutions, while Southern Kaduna, which contributes significantly to the state’s educated and skilled workforce, remains neglected.”
The forum pointed out the stark disparity in the distribution of educational facilities within the state. Southern Kaduna, according to the MBF, has been left out of the government’s efforts to provide equal educational opportunities. Despite the region’s wealth of human capital, it has only one federal educational institution, in stark contrast to the 25 institutions already present in Zaria and Kaduna city combined.
The forum’s complaint also extends to the process by which these new institutions were established. Binniyat questioned the transparency of the decision-making process, noting that neither the public nor legislators had been adequately consulted. “We have never heard of any bills for these institutions being presented at any plenary of either the red or green chambers,” Binniyat remarked. “We certainly did not see any invitation to a public hearing, unlike the bill for the University of Applied Sciences in Manchok, which underwent intense public scrutiny before it was considered.”
The MBF’s concerns are amplified by what they describe as a lack of representation for the interests of Southern Kaduna in the federal government’s policies. The forum drew attention to Speaker Abbas’s role in facilitating this development, reminding him that his constituency now extends to the entire state, not just Zaria.
“Speaker Abbas should be reminded that as Speaker, his constituency has expanded beyond Zaria to include all of Kaduna state,” said Binniyat. “His actions should reflect the interests of all the people of Kaduna, especially those in Southern Kaduna, who have long been marginalized.”
The MBF also expressed dismay at the failure of Southern Kaduna’s political representatives to rally for more educational infrastructure for their people. Binniyat noted that the political division in the region, which has led to fragmented voting patterns, contributes to the continued neglect of Southern Kaduna in state and national policy decisions.
“This development is indicative of the challenges faced by Southern Kaduna, where the majority of our people are still suffering from the minority complex,” Binniyat said. “We have yet to unite and push for equitable representation, which is why we continue to be at the mercy of those in power.”
The forum’s accusations come amid growing concerns about the perceived imbalance in resource allocation across Kaduna state. While Zaria continues to receive an influx of federal projects, Southern Kaduna, with its vast population and resource potential, remains sidelined. The MBF has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to address these imbalances and ensure that all regions of Kaduna state receive fair treatment.
The new institutions, which are expected to cater to diverse academic fields, could bring substantial benefits to the country’s educational sector. However, for many residents of Southern Kaduna, the announcement has further deepened feelings of neglect and underrepresentation.
“We do not oppose development; we simply ask for fairness,” Binniyat concluded. “Until Southern Kaduna gets its fair share of federal attention, we will continue to challenge these skewed decisions.”
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether the MBF’s call for a more equitable distribution of federal institutions will resonate with the government or if the situation will continue to highlight the deep divides within Kaduna state’s political landscape. The forum’s statement has sparked a debate about the prioritization of educational development, with many questioning whether resources are being allocated in the most equitable manner.
In the wake of this controversy, the MBF has vowed to pursue further action to ensure that the voices of Southern Kaduna’s people are heard and their needs addressed. Whether this will lead to tangible change remains uncertain, but the call for a fairer distribution of resources is unlikely to be ignored for long.
