The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, received with deep shock and profound sadness the news of the passing of His Excellency, Senator Solomon Ewuga, former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Middle Belt Forum, who departed this life on Tuesday, September 22, 2025, in Abuja.
Senator Ewuga was a statesman of uncommon courage and conviction. He embodied the true spirit of the Middle Belt struggle — a life of sacrifice, service, and unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and national unity. His wisdom, integrity, and vision left an indelible mark not only on the Middle Belt but also on the nation at large.
We in the Kaduna State Chapter deeply mourn his departure. His leadership, guidance, and dedication to the Middle Belt cause will forever remain a source of inspiration. Though he has passed on, his legacy will continue to strengthen our resolve in the pursuit of fairness, justice, and inclusive development.
On behalf of our members, we extend heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, the Eggon Nation, the government and people of Nasarawa State, and indeed the entire Middle Belt and Nigeria. May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and give strength to all who mourn this great loss.
The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has been drawn to the recent incendiary, false, and deliberately misleading comments made by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, during his appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” a major part that has to do with Southern Kaduna, which is part of the Middle Belt absorbed into the North West geopolitical zone. For the avoidance of doubt, the Middle Belt of Nigeria is made up of all the ethnic nationalities of the 19 Northern States plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that are not Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri.
The MBF, Kaduna state Chapter, therefore, considers it a solemn duty to the world and to posterity to set the record straight and counter this orchestrated campaign of shocking falsehood and demographic gaslighting from El-Rufai targeted at the good people of Southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt region at large.
El-Rufai’s interview was a desperate deception; a pathetic attempt to rewrite reality and diminish the undeniable political and demographic facts of Southern Kaduna on the weight and relevance of Christians majority area in the political culture of Kaduna State. Contrary to El-Rufai’s fictitious claim that Christians constitute “not even 25%” of Kaduna State, verified data from independent and governmental sources presents a starkly different reality. “Southern Kaduna” is a socio-cultural, historical connected ethnic nationalities of Kaduna State that are not Hausa and Fulani and geographically contiguous with Christianity as its dominant religion. Southern Kaduna forms 12 Local Government Areas with the 8 LGAs of ‘zone 3’ or Kaduna South Senatorial Zone forming its core. But Southern Kaduna, based on its definition, includes Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna South, and Lere. It spans approximately 26,000 sq km and is home to a projected population of 5.1 million people, constituting almost half of the state’s population of today.
Kaduna State is not Christian-minority bloc but also a hub of education, intellectualism, and civil service excellence, producing legendary Nigerian pioneers like Dr. Barau Dikko and Prof. Ishaya Audu who were all Christians.
El-Rufai’s attempt to politically diminish Southern Kaduna is the height of lies. He must be reminded that touching Southern Kaduna is as good as touching the Middle Belt, and no distortion or falsehood can erase this fact. The 2023 gubernatorial election, which his protégé, Sen Uba Sani of the APC, won by a razor-thin margin of 10,806 votes, was decisively determined by the votes from Southern Kaduna, which boasts 43.7% of the state’s registered voters. It is the height of ingratitude for a man who benefitted from a similar coalition in 2015 to now turn around and label the same people as “insignificant” because they roundly rejected his toxic politics of division.
His comparison of the peaceful, democratic Christian communities of Southern Kaduna to the proscribed Shiite movement is not only reckless but deeply bigoted, designed solely to incite hatred and justify the systemic marginalization and violence these communities have endured under his watch and beyond.
We are not surprised by El-Rufai’s vitriol. It is the bitter cry of a man facing a well-deserved political shame, which is the direct price for the wickedness he meted out on the people of Southern Kaduna. His administration was marked by the deliberate balkanization of our traditional institutions, the unjust redrawing of electoral wards to disenfranchise our people, the abandonment of critical projects, and a shocking disregard for the security of lives and property.
He has forgotten that he was the first governor to admit on national television that he paid bandits. Beyond that, credible reports — including from respected security chiefs — confirmed that his administration directly negotiated and disbursed huge sums running into billions of naira to these criminal elements. In effect, he governed more like a bandits’ patron than a protector of the people. He has forgotten he was caught on video stating that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was deliberately chosen to “enthron Islam.” Now, he contradictorily claims it was merely to win an election. This is the height of dishonesty. He is not the only graduate in Kaduna; we are all educated enough to see through his duplicity.
Today, El-Rufai is an excess baggage to any political platform, a burden to any party that associates with him. His political relevance has expired, and Kaduna State has long moved beyond his toxic brand of politics.
We admonish Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to desist from spreading falsehood and poisoning the well of unity in our dear state. At his age, he should be seeking peace and making amends in preparation to meet his maker, not actively working to plunge future generations into conflict.
Though his days in the political limelight are numbered, he is tragically determined to leave the political space as its most disgraced, humiliated, and unfulfilled figure. We urge well-meaning Nigerians and the media to disregard his malicious fabrications.
The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State, remains committed to advocating for equity, transparent governance, and the unity of all peoples of Kaduna State based on truth and justice, not the pathological lies of a failed politician.
Signed: Air Commodore John Bako Ajeye (Rtd) Chairman, Middle Belt Forum (MBF) Kaduna State Chapter
At a time when Nigeria faces soaring food prices, dependence on imports, and a growing hunger crisis, a new generation of innovators is stepping forward to rewrite the story. Among them is Samuel Ateh Stephen, a visionary entrepreneur from Kaduna State who is championing sustainable farming through his groundbreaking product — Instant Grow Organic Fertilizer.
As the Co-founder and CEO of Sustainable Organic Innovations, a pioneering agri-tech startup based in Kaduna, Samuel is not simply selling fertilizer; he is offering a solution to Nigeria’s food insecurity. Remarkably, within just one year of existence, the startup has made measurable impact across farming communities, proving that bold ideas can deliver real change in a short time.
Instant Grow, Instant Impact
Unlike conventional fertilizers that degrade the soil over time, Instant Grow Organics is built on nature’s wisdom. It enriches the land, boosts harvests, and remains affordable for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food system. Already, its impact has been felt across several local government areas of Kaduna, including Lere, Igabi, Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia, and Zangon Kataf — empowering farmers, improving yields, and restoring confidence in sustainable farming.
More Than Farming: A Movement
From Kaduna, Samuel is building a model that resonates across Nigeria. By transforming agricultural waste into fertilizer, he is creating jobs, reducing environmental pollution, and inspiring young Nigerians to see farming not as drudgery but as opportunity. His work aligns with global sustainability goals while addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges at home.
A Vision for Nigeria’s Future
If widely adopted, Instant Grow Organics could help Nigeria cut down on costly food imports, restore degraded soils, and even position the nation as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture. For Samuel, this is only the beginning of a movement — one that insists Nigeria can feed itself with homegrown ideas and homegrown solutions.
In a country searching for pathways to prosperity, innovators like Samuel Ateh Stephen remind us that the soil beneath our feet may very well hold the key to a secure and abundant future.
The Kaduna State Chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) now has a new Acting Chairman.
At a brief ceremony during a valedictory executive meeting held in Kaduna yesterday, the outgoing Chairman, Luka Binniyat, announced that he had been directed by the National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, to hand over leadership to his deputy in an acting capacity.
According to the Middle Belt Forum’s organizational structure, the Chairman is supported by a Deputy Chairman and three Vice Chairmen, followed by other executive members. However, the majority of the executive committee favored Mr. Daniel Ejembi, the Assistant Chairman 1, for the role. This decision was communicated to Dr. Pogu, who promptly approved the choice.
Before formally handing over Ejembi’s letter of appointment, Binniyat stated:
“Following my appointment to the National Working Committee (NWC) as the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Forum, the President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, in consultation with the NWC, has directed me to officially hand over to you, Assistant Chairman 1, to assume the position of Acting Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter.
As such, I am no longer the Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the MBF.
With this letter, you are hereby recognized as the official and only Acting Chairman of the MBF, Kaduna State Chapter, along with your duly elected Executive Committee, until otherwise directed by the NWC.
It must be emphasized that any individual or group claiming to act in your capacity or that of your executive committee may be liable for impersonation.
The President congratulates you on your new role and looks forward to a vibrant and effective Kaduna State Chapter under your leadership.”
Ejembi, a businessman, human rights activist, and anti-corruption crusader, has been a longtime resident of Kaduna. He hails from Benue State.
The Middle Belt Forum represents ethnic groups from Northern Nigeria that were historically outside the Othman Dan Fodio Caliphate and the Kanem-Borno Empire before colonial rule. It spans 14 northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ethnic groups from Southern Kaduna, Southern Kebbi, Southern Borno, and Southern Bauchi, as well as those from Adamawa, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Benue, and the FCT, are all members of the MBF.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) Tuesday issued a statement saying it is deeply devastated by the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered nationalist, elder statesman, and leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF). The Statement added that the demise of Chief Clark marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s struggle for equity, justice, and true federalism.
According to a Statement, the President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, expressed profound sorrow, emphasizing Chief Clark’s unwavering commitment to the progress and well-being of the Middle Belt.
“Chief Edwin Clark was deeply invested in the welfare of the Middle Belt region. He stood by us in our most challenging times and made several interventions to champion our cause,” Dr. Pogu stated.
“He dedicated his entire life to serving Nigeria, advocating tirelessly for justice, peace, and the protection of marginalized ethnic groups that have historically faced domination and suppression within the Nigerian state. His commitment to fairness and national unity was unparalleled,” he added.
Pogu went on to say that the Middle Belt mourns the loss of an irreplaceable leader, who served as a pivotal rallying point for those advocating for an inclusive Nigeria.
“His voice resonated beyond the South-South region, as he fought alongside other regional leaders to uphold the rights of all Nigerians, particularly those in the Middle Belt and Southern regions,” Pogu went on.
Dr. Pogu noted that Chief Clark’s passing is even more heartbreaking as it comes less than a week after the demise of Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who served as Deputy Leader of the SMBLF.
“Their near-simultaneous departures leave a great void in the collective struggle for justice and equity in Nigeria.
“The passing of these two distinguished nonagenarians is not only a profound loss to their respective regions but also to the Middle Belt and to the entire nation. Their leadership, wisdom, and relentless pursuit of fairness will be sorely missed,” Pogu said.
“As we mourn this monumental loss, we pray that the Almighty Creator welcomes Pa Edwin Clark with open arms and grants him eternal rest after a lifetime of selfless service to humanity.
“May his legacy continue to inspire the fight for a just and equitable Nigeria,” the statement reads in conclusion.
Signed: Luka Binniyat National Spokesman, Middle Belt Forum (MBF)
The ethnic nationalities of Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State have come down strongly on a Hausa/Fulani group resident in the LGA after the group convened a press conference recently protesting the inclusion of Lere LGA as being part of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria. The natives of Lere who made their misgivings known throughout “Coalition of Concern Natives of Lere LGA” in a Press Statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday alleged that the Hausa/Fulani group was politically motivated with the sole aim of dividing the unity of Southern Kaduna. Signed by Comrade Stephen Sale, Secretary of the Coalition and Comrade Engr. S.I Mori, acting Coordinator, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) Lere LGA Branch and others the statement reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to a Press Conference addressed by a group said to be Lere Local Government Unity Association Forum. One Barrister Nasiru Bello Dembo and his secretary Mallam Ahmed Idris were signatories to the text of the Press conference which centered on the organizers of Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival (SKFEST) which ended on 28/12/2024 with a grand finale at the New Kafanchan Township Stadium
The group was angry that some political office holders from Lere LGA were tagged as members of “Southern Kaduna” in the program of the event which was jointly organised by SOKAPU, saying that it contradicted section 8, 48 and 72 of Nigeria’s Constitution. According to them, and rightfully so, Lere LGA is in Kaduna North Senatorial District. They therefore rejected the inclusion of Lere LGA in the geographical classification of “Southern Kaduna” and warned the organizers of the event to refrain from such publications to avoid causing confusion. “They were obviously saying that our elected members mentioned in the text, who, ironically are not of Lere ethnicity, do not want to be associated with Southern Kaduna, and invariably us. “We, the natives and owners of the land, as a Coalition hereby state the facts as below.
The term “Southern Kaduna” is made up of 12 LGAs. And that includes Lere (in Kaduna North Senatorial Zone). Others are: Kajuru, Chikun, Kaduna South LGAs (both in Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone). The remaining are Kaura, Jemaa, Sanga, Zangon Kataf, Kagarko, Kachia, Kauru, Kachia LGAs (in Kaduna South Senatorial Zone). This is to stress that “Southern Kaduna” is bigger than “Kaduna South Senatorial Zone.” “Southern Kaduna” is a Geo-Socio/cultural enclave that’s defined by ethnography and ethnicity and is as old as the Iron Civilization of the Nok Terracotta dating back B.C. According to the coalition Southern Kaduna is is totally different from “Kaduna South Senatorial Zone,” which is a recent geo-political demarcation created for the convenience of administration and representative democracy.
They added that the present Lere and Kauru LGAs used to be part of Saminaka LGA up till 1989 and the old Saminaka LGA was part of the Senatorial District of old Kachia LGA, comprising the present Kachia, Chikun, Kajuru and Kagarko LGAs (the 2nd largest in Gen. Gowon’s Nigeria of 1967) ans old Jema’a LGA comprising present Jema’a, Kaura, Sanga and Jaba LGAs represented by Senator Jacob Madaki, a great Bajju man from Zonkwa (now, Late) 1st October 1979 – 30th September 1983 and 1st October 1983 – 31st December 1983 (when Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ousted the Democratically elected administration of NPN/President Shehu Shagari.
“Present Lere LGA was extracted from the old Saminaka LGA. The boundaries were so manipulated to constitute an electoral constituency, such that it favored the state’s northern power, which today constitutes the Northern Senatorial District,” alleged the natives of Lere. “This was the same manipulation done to old Kachia LGA where Chikun and Kajuru LGAs were extracted and taken to Kaduna Central Senatorial District all with the aim of “dismembering” the Southern Kaduna peoples as a voting block and a voice. We remain resolved that : “These have not, will not and cannot remove the Southern ‘Kadunaness’ from Southern Kaduna people whether in Lere, Kauru, Chikun, Kajuru, Kaduna South or ALL the other LGAs for that matter; it is a matter of the heart,” the coalition said.
“For the record, SOKAPU is a sociocultural association and the constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of association. We the ethnic nationalities of Lere LGAs have decided to join similar ethnicities of Southern Kaduna, what then is the headache of Lere Local Government Unity Association Forum, which does not have a single Lere native among it?” they observed. “The leaderships of our various communities in Lere LGA that have over the decades registered with SOKAPU and have been participating in her activities include Amo, Piti, Kinugu, Anir’Arahgu (Kahugu), Akurmi, Gure, Dingi, Janji, Lemoro and Jere. “We wonder why our membership to SOKAPU has made Barr. Idris’ group jittery, indeed, Southern Kaduna is our ancestry.
“For the record, we were the ones that elected these political leaders and since identifying with our kinsmen in Southern Kaduna is now an offense to a group, we now know better. Rewriting our history and or changing our ancestry is too late!” the statement said in conclusion. Community Development Association Presidents from ten ethnic groups of Lere LGA also signed the statement.
In a significant victory for human rights advocacy, the Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization has successfully secured justice and adequate compensation for victims of a tragic accident in Barnawa. The incident, involving a Julius Berger truck, resulted in the loss of two lives and left one individual seriously injured.
The organization’s Chairman, Mr. Daniel Ejembi, confirmed the development in a statement. According to the statement, the survivor’s hospital bills were fully covered, and financial compensation was provided to her. Additionally, the families of the two deceased victims, Anas Saidu and Alex Fagbemi Olawale, received financial compensation to help them cope with their loss.
The accident occurred at High Cost Junction along Bumedine Road when a speeding Julius Berger truck collided with a commercial motorcycle. The impact claimed the lives of the two men and left a third passenger, Comfort John, with severe injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck was traveling at high speed at the time of the crash.
Following the incident, the truck driver was detained at the Barnawa Police Station but was later released due to health concerns. Despite this, Eagle Brain’s relentless efforts ensured that justice was served for the victims and their families.
The organization praised the dedication and perseverance of its members throughout the process, highlighting their unwavering commitment to promoting equity, justice, and a more humane society.
This case underscores the importance of accountability and the role of human rights organizations in advocating for victims of accidents and their families. Eagle Brain’s successful intervention serves as a reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For more updates on human rights advocacy and similar stories, stay tuned to our news section.
The Middle Belt Times is thrilled to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Luka Binniyat on his recent appointment as the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF). This well-deserved appointment is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and tireless advocacy for the Middle Belt region.
Mr. Binniyat, a seasoned journalist and former National Spokesman for the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and addressing the challenges faced by the Middle Belt. His elevation to this key role within the MBF is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the Forum and the region as a whole.
As the newly confirmed National PRO, Mr. Binniyat brings a wealth of experience, a strong communication acumen, and a passion for justice and development. His leadership is expected to strengthen the Forum’s public engagement efforts and further its mission to advocate for the rights and progress of the Middle Belt people.
The Middle Belt Times joins the entire Middle Belt family in celebrating this remarkable achievement. We are confident that Mr. Binniyat’s tenure will be marked by impactful initiatives, innovative strategies, and a renewed sense of unity for the region.
Once again, congratulations, Mr. Luka Binniyat! Your appointment is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who believe in the potential of the Middle Belt. Here’s to a future filled with progress, collaboration, and success.
Your editorial of January 7, 2025, titled “New Federal Varsity a Misnomer,” https://punchng.com/new-federal-varsity-a-misnomer/ is not just a misinformed critique; it is a glaring example of selective outrage and institutional bias against Southern Kaduna (SK). While you pride yourselves on being a voice for the voiceless, your editorial has instead chosen to silence a region that has been marginalized for decades. This is not journalism; it is complicity in the systemic neglect of Southern Kaduna.
A History of Marginalization Ignored
Southern Kaduna, a geo-cultural zone comprising 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and over 60 ethnic groups, has been systematically excluded from Nigeria’s development agenda. Despite contributing 51.2% of Kaduna State’s population (2006 Census) and occupying 56% of its landmass (26,000 sq. km), SK has only one federal institution—the Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, which offers only Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).
Meanwhile, Zaria, a single town in northern Kaduna, hosts 11 federal institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, and the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology. Recently, Zaria secured approval for four additional federal institutions, funded with N80 billion. Where was The Punch’s editorial outrage when this happened? Your silence was deafening.
The Hypocrisy of Selective Criticism
Your editorial dismisses the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia as a “political move” and a “Greek gift.” Yet, you said nothing when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas secured N80 billion for four new federal institutions in Zaria, a town already saturated with federal institutions. Why the double standard? Why is it acceptable for Zaria to have 16 federal institutions but unacceptable for Southern Kaduna to have just one?
This selective criticism raises serious questions about your motives. Are you deliberately targeting Southern Kaduna, or are you simply unaware of the historical and geographical context? Either way, your editorial is a disservice to journalism and to the people of Southern Kaduna.
The Economic and Social Imperative
The establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia is not just a development project; it is a lifeline for a region that has been systematically excluded from Nigeria’s progress. Universities are not just centers of learning; they are engines of economic growth. According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in higher education yields a return of $2.50 in economic growth. For Southern Kaduna, this university will:
Create Jobs: From academic staff to support services, the university will provide employment opportunities for thousands.
Boost Local Economies: The influx of students and staff will stimulate demand for housing, food, transportation, and other services.
Foster Innovation: As a university of applied sciences, it will focus on practical, technology-driven solutions to local challenges, such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare. Yet, instead of celebrating this milestone, you chose to attack it. Shame on you.
The Cost-Effective Advantage
Unlike many new federal universities, the Kachia institution will not require massive capital expenditure. It will utilize the existing infrastructure of Nok University, a privately built institution that was forfeited to the federal government. This means the cost to taxpayers will be minimal, making it a fiscally responsible decision. But instead of acknowledging this, you dismissed it as a “misnomer.” What exactly is misnomered about addressing decades of neglect in a cost-effective manner?
A Call for Accountability
Your editorial rightly criticized the underfunding and mismanagement of Nigerian universities, but you failed to address the root cause of these problems: systemic inequity. Southern Kaduna has been left behind for too long, and the approval of this university is a step toward correcting that injustice. Instead of opposing it, you should be advocating for more equitable distribution of federal institutions across Nigeria.
We call on The Punch to issue a public apology for this biased and dismissive editorial. You owe it to the people of Southern Kaduna, who have endured decades of neglect and marginalization. You also owe it to your readers, who expect fair and balanced reporting from a newspaper of your stature.
A Final Word
Southern Kaduna is not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness. The approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia is a step in the right direction, and we will not allow The Punch or anyone else to undermine it. This university is a symbol of hope for a region that has been left behind for too long, and we will defend it with everything we have.
We trust that The Punch will reflect on this editorial and recommit itself to the principles of fairness, equity, and justice. Until then, we will continue to hold you accountable for your words and actions.
Punch Newspaper is one of the top most national dailies which has created enormous integrity for itself over the decades. It has attained this rare fit through its courageous, uncompromising and very professional reportage for which the Middle Belt and especially Southern Kaduna (SK) have greatly benefited from over the years.
The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Branch, is therefore taken aback by Punch’s rather acerbic criticism of news of the approval of the establishment of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kachia LGA, in Southern Kaduna, which falls under the Middle Belt.
In its Editorial of 7th January, 2025, the Editorial Board of Punch threw a heavy punch at the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to create the first university ever in Southern Kaduna, dismissing it as “political” and a “greek gift.”
Well we have no issues whatsoever with the observations and facts churned out by the Editorial Board of Punch regarding the
poor fundings Federal Universities and other associated matters raised in the Editorial, we feel that had the Editors of Punch been armed with the shocking marginalization that SK has suffered in allocation of federal institutions in Kaduna state, they would.have written its Editorial from a rather sympathetic perspective. They would not have set out in that Editorial to discourage the Federal Government from concluding a development that has stirred so much joy and emotions among the people of SK and indeed all residents members of the Middle Belt in Kaduna State.
We say this for the following reasons:
A Reps Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna state, secured the approval and funds for the establishment and immediate construction of FOUR! (4) new tertiary institutions in Zaria town, including a UNIVERSITY!
B . At the flag off of the construction of one of the schools in Zaria, on the 15th December, 2024, Abbas announced to the media that the sum of N80 billion had been approved for the construction of the schools.
The brand new Federal tertiary institutions for Zaria town alone are
a. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery
b. Federal College of Education
c. Federal Open University
d. Federal College of Legal Studies.
C) The Editors of the Punch ought to be aware that Zaria town is unarguably the only town in the entire Nigeria that has the highest numbers of federal institutions as listed below:
1) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) 2) Federal College of Education (FCoE)
3) Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology
4) Nigerian Leather Research Institute 5) Nigeria College of Aviation Technology 6) Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC)
7)Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR).
8) National Research Institute for Chemical Technology
9)National Animal Production Research Institute
10) National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services.
11) Nigerian Army School of Military Police
12) Nigeria Army School of Legal Services, Basawa Zaria.
That invariably means that there are now 16 Federal tertiary schools in just one town – Zaria which straddles two LGAs North of Kaduna state.
D) For the information of the Editorial Board of Punch, the term “Southern Kaduna (SK)” is a Geo-socio/cultural zone made up of no less than 60 ethnic nationalities. It is not a Geo-political zone like “Kaduna South Senatorial Zone” that is subsumed under SK.
SK is made up of 12 LGAs out of the 23 LGAs of Kaduna state. Kaduna South Senatorial Zone is made up of 8 LGAs.
E ) Kaduna state has an approximate land mass of 46,000 sq.km. Out of this, Southern Kaduna has an estimated 26,000 sq.km. In fact, SK is bigger than Kano State (20,000 sq.km) which has 44 LGAs. Yet SK has no single University.
F ) Going by the National Population Commission (NPC) 2006 Census figures, Kaduna state had a population of 6,113,503 of which 51.2% came from the 12 LGAs of Southern Kaduna. Today, SK is estimated to have a population of about 5.2 million people of the 10.2 million population of Kaduna state in 2024.
G ) It may also interest Punch to note that most of the indigenous skilled and educated workforce of Kaduna state comes from SK.
H ) Will it then not be shocking to the Editors of the Punch that the only Federal Institution of Higher Learning in Southern Kaduna is a decrepit Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, Kaura LGA in Southern Kaduna. The highest certificate issued there is a Higher National Diploma (HND).
Our Query to the Punch Editorial
1) Why didn’t the Editors of Punch write its Editorial condemning the creation of new Federal universities when Zaria town, which is already saturated with 11 Federal Tertiary Schools, got additional Four new ones at a go?
2) As aptly pointed out by the Editors of Punch: “During his tenure (2010-2015), Jonathan established 12 universities. His successor (Buhari) established about 10 tertiary schools. Each arm of the military and the police now have a university.”
Shouldn’t it have bothered the Editors of the Punch that Southern Kaduna, with its landmass and population didn’t get any of these universities at that time? Should we not therefore be happy with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu over this gesture?
3) Again, unlike Speaker Abbas who has secured N80 billion funding for Zaria’s new schools, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia already has a well-developed physical structure. It was a privately built institution called Nok University, complete faculties, departments, Admin blocks and every basic needed infrastructure in a university. It had in place a school administration and a Board.
Nok University, owned a son of the Middle Belt, was on the verge of taking off after admitting its first batch of students in 2022, when the EFCC closed it down. The EFCC later declared its forfeiture to the Federal Government, claiming it was built from proceeds of corruption. Whatever the reason, we are grateful that there was a structure on ground.
Therefore, the only University in Southern Kaduna, unlike the other new ones, is not costing the Federal Government any much to build. Why then should the Editorial Board of the Punch pick on it?
Our Fears
We are at pains to say that we suspect that the motive behind the Punch Editorial is to discourage the Federal Government from seeing the takeoff of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
The Middle Belt and indeed, SK has powerful foes that can go to any extent to ensure that we that we are tied to one place.
If not so, is the Editorial Board of the Punch not aware that a university is not merely a place of learning? That a university is an economy and a development hub of its own with accompanied value chains that could dramatically spark unprecedented prosperity to its area of location and environs?
This suspicion can only be lifted by another Editorial given the hindsight that we have provided. And if that is done, we shall be very appreciative.
Signed: Luka Binniyat
(Chairman, Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna State Chapter) 9th December, 2025.
