FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has again commended the policy initiatives of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is providing opportunities for governors in the country to execute more projects as a result of improved revenue.
Governor Sule made the commendation in Keffi, while speaking as special guest and Visitor at the 4th stakeholders meeting and 1st anniversary of Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman as Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).
The Governor particularly commended the Tinubu administration for its policy on the devaluation and unification of the naira that brought to an end the multiple foreign exchange markets and rates.
According to the Governor Sule, his administration is able to undertake numerous projects because of the improved revenue accruing to the state both from the internally generated revenue, as well as from the monthly subvention.
“I always use these kinds of opportunities to thank the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. When we couldn’t do some of the things that we could do, it was mainly because we didn’t have the resources.
“The Government could not afford to give sufficient funds to the university because there were not enough funds. But today, we are one of the states of the federation that are witnessing improved revenue.
“Everything that we are doing for this university and every other institution-I just finished signing a document this weekend for the new salary structure for the House of Assembly, as well as other tertiary institutions in the state-all of them would also require over one hundred million additional funding. All these we are not doing with any borrowed funds. We are doing it one hundred per cent from the improved IGR and the improved monthly subvention.
“Everything you see we do in this state today, construction of this, construction of that. We are getting ready to do the groundbreaking of the flyover at the Total Roundabout in Keffi in order to reduce accidents. That is a contract of over N10bn. We have already paid the contractor 50 per cent so that there would be no variation.
“The reason why we are doing all these is because there is improved revenue and not one naira for the projects going round the state is borrowed. It is wholly funded from state resources. That is the reason why every time I had the opportunity, I express great appreciation to the administration of President Tinubu for all the things they have done to create the opportunities, especially on the unification of the foreign exchange. That is where most of these advantages are coming from,” he stated.
As part of the initiative to improve security at the university, he announced that his administration would sign a PPP arrangement with Advent, a renowned company that constructed hostels at the University of Lagos, as well as the Lagos State University, to undertake the construction of 1, 150-bed hostel.
He further assured that the perimeter fence of the institution would be constructed as soon as the management complete the delineation of the land belonging to the university.
Governor Sule commended both the management, staff and students of the university for making the institution one of the best in the country.
He particularly commended the Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Professor Attahiru Jega for his commitment to further improve the quality of learning and teaching at the university.
The Governor assured the management of the university of continued support in order to take the institution to an enviable height.
In his address, Chairman of the Governing Council of NSUK, Professor Attahiru Jega, appreciated Governor Sule, the Visitor of the university, for all the good and commendable initiatives towards uplifting the image, prestige, competence and excellence of the institution.
“I think there is no greater testimony to the feelings of staff, management and students, including the Governing Council than the remarks made by the ASUU chairman. From my experience, unions don’t even want to share the same shed with employers. But if you do well, people appreciate it and they may surprise you in ways in which they express this appreciation. I think that is what we have seen here,” he said.
While further appreciating the Governor for giving him opportunity to serve, alongside members of the council, Prof Jega particularly commended the Governor for giving the council not only listening ears but practical support and encouragement.
Prof Jega equally commended the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, promising to continue to support her as she turns NSUK into one of the best universities not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
On her part, Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, expressed satisfaction that NSUK today stands not only as an academic institution but also as a beacon of hope, innovation and excellence.
“What we have achieved within one year is not just a testament to my leadership, but a result of collective resilience, unwavering commitment and unrelenting pursuit of our shared vision by the entire university community, partners and stakeholders,” she said.
Among the several achievements thus far recorded, the Vice Chancellor described as unprecedented the institution’s internal linkages of global partnership, which saw to the signing of 12 memorandum of understanding, securing of 10 masters degree scholarship for lecturers to study in India, amongst others.
As part of the activities marking her 1st year in office, Professor Sa’adatu unveiled the NSUK strategic action plan 2024-2029 that would guide the management of the institution in carrying out its innovative leadership.
Signed
Ari, Liman Aminu.
Head of Centre,
FIC, LAFIA.
